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Strabismus

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Crossed eyes; Esotropia; Exotropia; Squint; Walleye

Treatment:

Initially, strategies to strengthen the weakened muscles and thereby realign the eyes are attempted. Glasses may be prescribed. Eye muscle exercises may be prescribed.

If amblyopia is present, patching of the preferred eye may be done to force the child to use the amblyopic eye. Surgery may be required to realign the eye muscles if strengthening techniques are unsuccessful.

Expectations (prognosis):

With an early diagnosis, the defect can usually be corrected. With delayed treatment, vision loss in one eye may be permanent.

Complications:

• Loss of vision in one eye due to amblyopia
• Embarrassment over facial appearance with eye patch

Calling your health care provider:

Strabismus requires prompt medical evaluation. Call for an appointment with your health care provider or eye doctor if your child exhibits any of the following:

• Complains of double vision
• Has difficulty seeing
• Appears to be cross-eyed
• The eyes do not appear to fix on the same point

Also call if there are problems at school, which could possibly be related to the child being unable to see the blackboard or the reading material.

• Review Date: 8/8/2006
• Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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