The American Optometry Association defines strabismus as an eye condition in which “both eyes do not look at the same place at the same time.” In other words, it is the eyes’ failure to maintain proper alignment and work together as a team. Affecting about 4 percent of the U.S. population, strabismus can be either an ongoing or intermittent condition.
Dr. Joel H. McGahen, your eye doctor, discusses strabismus further, focusing on its causes, symptoms and available treatments.
Strabismus Causes
Strabismus occurs due to problems that interfere with the eye muscles’ ability to maintain the sensory organs’ position and movement. These problems may either come from the muscles or the nerves of the brain that control binocular vision. Genetics can also play a role in causing strabismus. It is possible for a parent that has this condition to pass it to his or her children.
Signs and Symptoms of Strabismus
Strabismus can easily be observed, when one eye looks straight ahead while the other is misaligned in a specific direction. It is called esotropia or “crossed eyes” when the eye is misaligned inward, exotropia or “wall-eyed” when outward, hypertropia when upward, and hypotropia when downward.
The misalignment may either be large and obvious or small and unnoticeable. Either way, it is important that patients undergo eye exams for diagnosis and potential treatment. Visit our optometrist today so that strabismus or any eye-related conditions won’t result in further complications.
Treatment Options for Strabismus
Surgery is the only effective treatment for cases of constant eye misalignment. Your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist specializing in this form of treatment. Doing this at the earlier stages of the condition can help improve visual acuity and normal eye alignment. Vision therapy, meanwhile, works for intermittent types of strabismus.
For your eye care needs, visit Joel H. McGahen, OD. Our mission is to provide the best eye care services possible, from prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses to providing vision correction procedures. Call us today at (717) 609-4443 to schedule an appointment with us. We serve residents of Chambersburg, PA, and surrounding areas.