What is it?
Strabismus, recognized as crossed eyes, is an eye disorder that results in eye misalignment when focusing on an object. This condition can be present at birth or arise during child development. The cause of strabismus has not been explicitly identified, although the disorder has a higher occurrence within families. The condition may also emerge following brain trauma or a serious infection. Treatment for strabismus may involve surgery, eye patches or glasses. If it is not treated early in children, they can develop permanent vision loss in one eye in children and they can also develop amblyopia
How to Prepare
If a parent notices misalignment in the child’s eye, he or she should make an appointment to see a doctor. If the patient is an infant or young child, the patient’s parents should check the child’s eyes occasionally for strabismus or lazy eye. Parents should also be prepared to discuss recent infections, injuries, or other relevant records of medical history.
What happens during the procedure?
Treatment for strabismus begins with an eye exam. Patients receive a physical inspection of the eye from an ophthalmologist. Patients may be given reflex and visual acuity tests. After the doctor has determined the severity of the condition, an individualized treatment plan is devised. For milder cases of strabismus, patients may be advised to complete ocular exercises or wear glasses to alleviate symptoms and correct the ocular muscles. Surgery for strabismus involves multiple small incisions to access the muscles on the sides of the eye. Surgeons strengthen, weaken, or otherwise alter the muscles depending on the patient’s condition.
Risks and Complications
* Undercorrection
* Overcorrections
* Dry eyes
* Fibrosis (scarring)
* Vision loss
* Diplopia (double vision)
* Bleeding
* Eye infections
* Amblyopia
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