How Do You Fix Strabismus?
Strabismus, commonly called crossed eyes or an eye turn, occurs when the eyes do not point in the same direction at the same time. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other remains straight.
Strabismus can often be improved or corrected with eyeglasses, prism lenses, treatment for amblyopia, specialized eye exercises, medication, or eye muscle surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the patient’s age, the cause of the misalignment, and the type and severity of strabismus.
What Causes Strabismus?
Normal eye alignment depends on the coordinated movement of six muscles around each eye. Strabismus develops when the eye muscles, nerves, or areas of the brain that control eye movement do not work together properly.
Possible causes include:
- Refractive errors such as farsightedness
- Problems with eye muscle or nerve control
- Childhood vision-development disorders
- Genetic or congenital conditions
- Thyroid eye disease
- Stroke or neurological conditions
- Head or eye injuries
- Previous eye surgery
- Poor vision in one eye
A comprehensive eye examination is necessary to identify the cause and determine the most effective treatment.
How Is Strabismus Treated?
Prescription Eyeglasses
Some forms of strabismus, particularly accommodative esotropia in children, are related to farsightedness. Prescription glasses help the eyes focus more comfortably and may significantly improve or completely correct the eye turn while the glasses are being worn.
Prism Glasses
Prisms bend light entering the eyes, helping the brain combine two images into one. Prism lenses may reduce double vision caused by certain types of strabismus, especially when the amount of misalignment is relatively small.
Prisms can relieve symptoms, but they do not strengthen the eye muscles or permanently correct every type of strabismus.
Amblyopia Treatment
Children with strabismus may develop amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, when the brain begins favoring one eye. Treatment may include:
- Prescription glasses
- Patching the stronger eye
- Special eye drops that temporarily blur the stronger eye
These treatments encourage the brain to use the weaker eye. Patching can improve vision affected by amblyopia, but it does not usually straighten the eyes by itself.
Eye Exercises
Orthoptic exercises may help with specific eye-coordination problems, particularly convergence insufficiency. They are not an effective treatment for every form of strabismus and should only be performed when recommended by an eye doctor.
Botulinum Toxin Injections
In selected cases, botulinum toxin may be injected into an eye muscle to temporarily weaken it and improve alignment. This option is not appropriate for every patient and may be used alone or in connection with other treatments.
Strabismus Surgery
Strabismus surgery changes the position or tension of one or more eye muscles. During the procedure, the surgeon may tighten, weaken, or reposition the muscles to bring the eyes into better alignment.
The surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure. Depending on the patient’s condition, surgery may involve one or both eyes. Some adults may be candidates for adjustable sutures, which allow the surgeon to fine-tune the eye alignment after the initial procedure.
Strabismus surgery may help:
- Improve eye alignment
- Reduce or eliminate double vision
- Improve depth perception or binocular vision in selected patients
- Reduce an abnormal head position
- Improve confidence and quality of life
Although many patients experience substantial improvement after one procedure, additional surgery may occasionally be necessary.
Can Strabismus Be Completely Corrected?
Many cases of strabismus can be successfully treated, but the outcome depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some patients achieve straight eye alignment with glasses, while others require surgery or a combination of treatments.
Early treatment is particularly important for children because untreated strabismus can interfere with visual development and lead to permanent vision loss from amblyopia. Adults can also benefit from treatment, even when strabismus has been present for many years.
Can Adults Have Strabismus Fixed?
Yes. Adults are not too old for strabismus treatment. Prism glasses or surgery may improve alignment, reduce double vision, correct an abnormal head posture, and improve quality of life.
New strabismus in an adult, particularly when accompanied by sudden double vision, a severe headache, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping, requires prompt medical evaluation.
Strabismus Treatment in Las Vegas
At Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our ophthalmologists evaluate and treat strabismus in children and adults. Treatment recommendations are personalized according to the type of eye misalignment, its underlying cause, and how it affects vision and daily life.
If you or your child has crossed eyes, an intermittent eye turn, double vision, or difficulty keeping the eyes aligned, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with our experienced eye care team.
Call (702) 358-0472 to schedule a strabismus consultation in Las Vegas.