The treatment of strabismus
The causes of strabismus
Multiple factors play a role in the development of strabismus: muscle disorders of the eye, visual impairment, especially unilateral, disorders in the brain’s cortex, and genetic factors, among others. Illness and fever can lead to the onset of strabismus. Strabismus is often a condition that arises during childhood. In adults, it can be a consequence of negligence and inattention, often having its roots in childhood. Strabismus in middle age can be a secondary effect of other eye conditions, either accompanying complete or partial blindness, or as a result of accidents and direct injuries to the eye muscles, nerves, or eye socket.
Symptoms and Complications of Strabismus
Strabismus causes the eyes to deviate, and this deviation can be inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards. Initially, it leads to visual impairment, double vision, or misperception of image depth. If left untreated, a child’s eyes may not develop adequately, resulting in reduced vision, a condition known as amblyopia or lazy eye. Therefore, the consequence of delaying strabismus treatment is lazy eye and, ultimately, severe vision loss.
Can eye deviations be normal?
Infants may exhibit crossed eyes or strabismus until the age of two to three months, which should not be a cause for concern for parents. However, the persistence or severity of such conditions, even at this young age, warrants a visit to an eye specialist. Any form of strabismus that continues beyond three months of age, even if it appears intermittently, should be referred to a physician.
What is pseudostrabismus?
Incorrect perceptions of strabismus in children are not uncommon. Some children have a broad nasal bridge or prominent skin folds on the inner corners of their eyelids, which can create a false appearance of strabismus. As the nasal bridge grows, this false impression disappears. Such misconceptions about strabismus can be observed in some individuals who are very nearsighted or farsighted. Because this condition is transient, it does not require treatment, but consulting an eye specialist is still advisable.
Causes of strabismus in adults
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease (Graves' disease)
- Graves' disease
- Brain tumor
- Head injury
- Cerebrovascular events in diabetes or hypertension
- stroke
- Sometimes as a result of eye surgery (such as cataract surgery) or surgeries around the eyes
Symptoms of strabismus in adults
- Eye fatigue
- Diplopia
- Overlay or fading of the image
- Feeling of tension around the eyes
- Feeling discomfort and having difficulty when reading
- Lack of depth perception
What are the treatment methods for strabismus?
The treatment methods are diverse, and in each case, the appropriate treatment will be recommended by an eye specialist. Treatment methods include:
- Eye drops
- Eye patching is stronger for correcting amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Eye muscle exercises
- Prescribing glasses with appropriate refractive power
- Prescription glasses with prisms
- Botulinum toxin injection
- Surgical procedure on the extraocular muscles of the eyeball
