Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not align properly, impacting vision and depth perception. Our eye doctors specialize in diagnosis and treatment.
Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not point in the same direction at the same time. It is important because proper eye coordination is crucial for clear, single vision and depth perception. Our eye doctors emphasize early detection so that treatment can help prevent long-term visual difficulties.
Strabismus, sometimes referred to as crossed-eyes, squint, or wandering eye, is an umbrella term that covers any misalignment of the eyes. In a normally functioning visual system, the eyes work together as a team, allowing the brain to combine two slightly different images into one cohesive picture. When the eyes do not properly align, the brain struggles to merge the images, which can lead to a variety of visual symptoms and potential long-term issues if left untreated.
Here’s the thing – the misalignment in strabismus is not usually a sign of weak eye muscles. Instead, it stems from how the brain and eyes communicate. When the brain receives two different images, it may choose to ignore one source to reduce confusion, a process known as suppression. However, this adaptation can lead to further challenges, including difficulties with depth perception and the risk of developing “lazy eye” (amblyopia) if one eye’s input is consistently sidelined.
There are several classifications of strabismus, and understanding them can help patients and parents recognize the patterns of eye misalignment. The condition can be differentiated not only by the direction of the eye turn, but also by its frequency and whether one or both eyes are affected.
Other classifications include whether the misalignment is constant—present all the time—or intermittent, which means the misalignment appears only occasionally or in specific circumstances. Strabismus can also be unilateral, affecting one eye, or alternating, where the misalignment switches from one eye to the other.
Schedule your comprehensive eye evaluation today and take the first step towards better vision with personalized treatment options.
Strabismus most commonly arises from a problem in how the brain coordinates the eye muscles rather than from inherent muscle weakness. Often, the condition develops gradually due to issues with binocular vision—a condition in which the eyes overcompensate in focusing, sometimes as the result of significant uncorrected farsightedness.
The risk factors include a family history of strabismus, premature birth, low birth weight, and other eye conditions such as amblyopia. In some cases, certain neurological or genetic conditions, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy, may also increase the likelihood of developing strabismus. Sometimes, an injury or illness that affects the nerves or muscles around the eyes can trigger misalignment.
When a child tries to focus, the eyes have to work harder to see clearly. This extra effort can sometimes cause one eye to over-converge or deviate from the intended line of sight, particularly if the child has uncorrected hyperopia (farsightedness). Our eye doctors explain that this overexertion can be a driving factor, as the visual system’s continuous over-focusing creates stress on the communication between the brain and eye muscles.
Recognizing the signs of strabismus is critical because early detection often leads to a more favorable treatment outcome. The most notable sign is an observable misalignment of the eyes, but other symptoms can also affect daily life. In some cases, patients may be aware of double vision or experience other discomforts because their eyes are not working in synchrony.
In cases of intermittent strabismus, the misalignment may only be noticeable during periods of fatigue or after extended focus on near tasks such as reading or computer work. These fluctuations can sometimes be subtle yet are important indicators for further evaluation by our eye doctors.
Schedule your comprehensive eye evaluation today and take the first step towards better vision with personalized treatment options.
Strabismus, a condition of misalignment, affects eye coordination and depth perception. Early detection can improve visual health.
