Strabismus

Cross-eyed, medically known as strabismus, refers to a condition in which eyes are misaligned. It commonly occurs when the muscles that control eye movement are not properly working together. The result is one or both eyes turning inward, outward, upward or downward, or one or both eyes moving irregularly. You might hear or see terms like these:

• Esotropia (inward eye turn of one or both eyes)
• Exotropia (outward eye turn of one or both eyes)
• Hypertropia (upward turn of one eye, relative to the other)
• Intermittent Tropia (turn that doesn’t happen all the time)

Strabismus is usually diagnosed during childhood and affects about 4 percent of children, afflicting boys and girls equally. Though it cannot be prevented, its complications can be avoided with early intervention. Even if you notice symptoms intermittently – when your child is ill, stressed or fatigued – alert your eye care professional as soon as possible.

The doctors will determine the type, extent, and frequency of the turn and discuss potential treatment options.

Treatment for Strabismus can range from non invasive vision therapy to eye alignment surgery. In coordination with the patient, parents, and the optometrist, we will all determine what is the best course of action for you or your child.