Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not align properly and point in different directions. It can affect one or both eyes intermittently or constantly. This misalignment can cause one eye to look straight while the other turns in various directions such as inward, outward, upward, or downward.
Strabismus is quite common, especially among children, affecting about 4% in the United States, but it can also present later in life. While it can run in families, many individuals with strabismus have no known familial history.
Our board-certified team at Eye Physicians & Surgeons in Atlanta and Decatur, Georgia, specializes in diagnosing and treating strabismus and other vision problems. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional care to our patients.
How the Eyes Work Together
In normal vision, both eyes focus on the same point, and the brain merges these images into a single, three-dimensional picture, giving us depth perception. When strabismus occurs, the eyes send two different images to the brain. In children, the brain often ignores the image from the misaligned eye, leading to a loss of depth perception. Adults, however, may experience double vision since their brains are used to processing images from both eyes.
Amblyopia and Its Connection to Strabismus
Good vision develops when both eyes are properly aligned during childhood. Strabismus can lead to amblyopia, where the brain favors one eye over the other, reducing vision in the weaker eye. This occurs in roughly half of children with strabismus. Amblyopia treatment often involves patching the stronger eye to enhance vision in the weaker eye. Early detection and treatment are crucial for successful outcomes.
What Causes Strabismus?
The exact cause of strabismus isn’t completely understood. Each eye has six muscles that control its movement, and they must work together harmoniously. When there’s an imbalance, strabismus can occur. It’s common in children with certain neurological conditions, but most children with strabismus have no other health issues.
Diagnosing Strabismus
Strabismus is typically diagnosed during an eye exam. It’s recommended that children have their vision checked by a healthcare provider by age four. If there’s a family history of strabismus, an ophthalmologist at Eye Physicians & Surgeons can evaluate vision even earlier. Infants may appear to have crossed eyes, which can be normal. An ophthalmologist can differentiate between true and false strabismus.
Treatment Options for Strabismus
Treatment aims to:
After a thorough examination, our ophthalmologists may recommend treatments ranging from corrective glasses to surgery. Patching may be necessary to treat amblyopia before surgery for optimal results.
Types of Strabismus
Esotropia
Esotropia involves inward turning of the eye and is common in infants. Early surgical intervention can correct this alignment by adjusting the tension of the eye muscles.
Accommodative Esotropia
This form occurs in farsighted children, where focusing efforts cause the eyes to cross. Glasses or bifocals can help in reducing this effort.
Exotropia
Exotropia is characterized by an outward-turning eye, often when focusing on distant objects. While glasses and exercises may help, surgery is sometimes necessary.
Strabismus Surgery
During surgery, the eyeball is not removed from its socket. An ophthalmologist makes a small incision to access the eye muscles, repositioning them to correct the alignment. Surgery may involve both eyes to balance their movement. Recovery is quick, and additional procedures may be required in the future to maintain alignment.
Early intervention, particularly before school age, offers the best chance for effective treatment. Although risks exist, strabismus surgery is generally safe and successful. Glasses and amblyopia therapy may still be necessary post-surgery.
Why Choose Eye Physicians & Surgeons?
Eye Physicians & Surgeons has been a trusted resource for families in Atlanta and Decatur for more than 50 years. Our board-certified ophthalmologists bring extensive experience in diagnosing and treating strabismus in both children and adults. From early screenings to advanced surgical procedures, we tailor every treatment plan to the needs of each patient. With the convenience of two locations and a reputation for compassionate, high-quality care, our team is dedicated to protecting vision and improving quality of life.
Start Your Path to Better Eye Alignment
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of strabismus, Eye Physicians & Surgeons is here to help. Our team in Atlanta and Decatur is ready to provide the expertise and care you need. Contact us today at +1 (404) 292-2500 to schedule an appointment and begin your journey to better vision.