Strabismus is the condition in which a person is unable to align both eyes simultaneously under normal visual conditions. When both eyes do not point at an object at the same time, it results in the appearance of one eye "turning" in relation to the other. This turning may be in, out, up, down. This eye turning may be constant, in which an eye turns all the time, or it may be intermittent. It may also alternate so that either eye turns at any given time. Besides the obvious turning of an eye, the individual with amblyopia has reduced coordination of both eyes, loss of stereopsis (depth perception), and may develop reduced vision in one eye (amblyopia).
There are many different causes of strabismus. The specific treatment is dependent on the specific type and cause. Strabismus can be treated at any age. Some factors favor younger patients, while compliance and motivation are more favorable with adults. Treatment can consists of prescription lenses, prisms or a program of vision therapy. Surgery may cosmetically straighten the eyes, but does not typically improve visual function. The prognosis for optimal outcome in these cases is enhanced through pre and post-surgical vision therapy. Whether it is constant or intermittent, strabismus always requires treatment. It rarely goes away by itself nor will children outgrow it. |
Crossed eyes most often develop in infants and young children, although it can occur in adults. This may also be caused by:
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CHECK OUT DR. SUSAN BARRY'S (PROFESSOR OF NEUROBIOLOGY) BOOK AND TEDTALK, ABOUT HOW SHE WAS ABLE TO CORRECT HER strabismus AS AN ADULT!
This information was produced by the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, which board certifies qualified optometric physicians in vision therapy. www.covd.org.