Strabismus Overview
Strabismus refers to misaligned eyes. If the eyes turn inward
(crossed), it is called esotropia. If the eyes turn outward
(wall-eyed), it is called exotropia. One eye can be higher than the
other which is called hypertropia (for the higher eye) or hypotropia
(for the lower eye). Strabismus can be subtle or obvious,
intermittent (occurring occasionally), or constant. It can affect
one eye only or shift between the eyes.
Strabismus usually begins in infancy or childhood. Some toddlers
have accommodative esotropia. Their eyes cross because they need
glasses for farsightedness. But most cases of strabismus do not have
a well-understood cause. It seems to develop because the eye muscles
are uncoordinated and do not move the eyes together. Acquired
strabismus can occasionally occur because of a problem in the brain,
an injury to the eye socket, or thyroid eye disease.
When young children develop strabismus, they typically have mild
symptoms. They may hold their heads to one side if they can use
their eyes together in that position. Or, they may close or cover
one eye when it deviates, especially at first. Adults, on the other
hand, have more symptoms when they develop strabismus. They have
double vision (see a second image) and may lose depth perception. At
all ages, strabismus is disturbing. Studies show school children
with significant strabismus can have self-image problems.
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