Pediatric Ophthalmology Adult Strabismus Center, Ltd.

Strabismus is a vision problem in which both eyes do not align properly to look at the same object simultaneously.  Strabismus affects approximately 4% of children. Common types of strabismus include esotropia (crossed eyes), exotropia (the eyes turn outward) and hypertropia (one eye higher than the other).

When childhood esotropia starts  in the first few months of life, it is then termed infantile-onset esotropia. Although intermittent strabismus may occasionally be seen in the first few weeks of life in normal infants, if the turning persists beyond two months old, the child should be examined by a physician.  Surgery in infancy is often required to correct this form of strabismus.

In older infants and toddlers, esotropia is often associated with refractive errors such as hyperopia (far-sightedness).  Glasses often significantly improve this form of strabismus, which is termed accommodative esotropia.

Exotropia generally begins in the first few years of life and is often intermittent. Exotropia may respond to eye exercises (orthoptics) or may require surgical correction.

It is important that children with strabismus be promptly evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Rarely, the condition may be secondary to serious, even life-threatening, conditions such as retinoblastoma, cataract, etc. However, more commonly, strabismus can lead to the development of amblyopia (lazy eye), which if untreated can lead to permanent loss of vision in one eye.  If promptly treated, amblyopia can be successfully cured. Treatment consists of patching the dominant eye or blurring vision in that eye with medication such as atropine drops.

Strabismus in adults may be due to various medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, trauma, etc. Unlike children, adults often complain of diplopia (double vision). Treatment options include eye exercises, prism glasses and/or surgery.

Esotropia

EXOTROPIA

For further information concerning strabismus please visit www.aapos.org