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At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our strabismus specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating people with all types of strabismus (misaligned eyes). Our team of eye specialists provides expert care for people of all ages, from infancy through adulthood, to restore proper eye alignment and improve vision.
Strabismus is a disorder in which the eyes are misaligned, causing one eye or both eyes to turn in different directions, such as upward, downward, outward, or inward. The eyes do not look at or focus on the same object at the same time. A person can have one or more types of strabismus.
In a person with strabismus, each eye sends a different image to the brain. Because the brain receives two different visual images, it might ignore the image from the misaligned eye to avoid double vision, gradually resulting in poor vision development of that eye.
If left untreated, strabismus can lead to amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” because the weaker eye will not be able to see well. Also, an eye that sees poorly might become misaligned and develop strabismus.
The four main types of strabismus describe the direction of the eye misalignment:
Other, less common types of strabismus include:
Most strabismus results from abnormal neuromuscular (including brain) control affecting nerves that control the eye muscles. We do not completely understand the underlying causes of this neuromuscular problem. Less commonly, a problem with the actual eye muscle can cause strabismus.
The main risk factor for developing strabismus is a family history of any type of the condition.
Strabismus often occurs in children who are otherwise completely normal.
Other possible causes include:
Some symptoms of this condition do not occur constantly. Also, children might not realize that they are experiencing double vision.
Symptoms of strabismus can include:
It is normal for a newborn’s eyes to move independently and, at times, even cross. However, by three to four months old, an infant should be able to focus on objects, and the eyes should be straight. Parents who notice that their child’s eyes are turning in different directions or that the child’s eyes cannot focus on objects should consult their pediatrician.
Early detection and treatment of strabismus can prevent permanent visual impairment. At UT Southwestern, we begin the evaluation with a complete eye exam that includes:
The goal of strabismus treatment is to improve eye alignment, which allows for the eyes to work together better (achieving binocular vision).
At UT Southwestern, we thoroughly evaluate patients to determine the best treatment plan. Treatment might involve eyeglasses, eye exercises, use of a prism in glasses, and/or eye muscle surgery.
The underlying problems associated with strabismus (including amblyopia, ptosis, and cataract) are usually treated prior to eye muscle surgery, especially in children.
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