Strabismus, a misalignment of the eyes, is one of the most common eye problems in children, affecting approximately 4 percent of children under the age of six years. The eyes (one or both) may turn inward, outward, turn up, or turn down. At times, more than one of these conditions are present. Strabismus is also called "wandering eye" or "crossed-eyes."
Experts do not completely understand the cause of strabismus. However, strabismus results from failure of the eye muscles to work together. The brain controls the eye muscles, which are attached to the outside of each eye. There appears to be a higher incidence of strabismus in children with disorders that affect the brain, such as cerebral palsy or hydrocephalus. Strabismus may also occur later in life as a result of an illness, cataract, or eye injury.
All forms of strabismus have been found to cluster in families. Siblings and children of an individual with strabismus may have an increased chance to also develop it, however, a single inherited cause has not been identified.
Amblyopia, also called "lazy eye," is a condition in which vision does not develop normally during childhood. Usually the child has one weak eye with poor vision and one strong eye with normal vision. Two to 3 percent of the general population have amblyopia.
There are many causes of amblyopia, but it occurs most commonly with strabismus. Amblyopia may also result from other eye conditions where one eye focuses better than the other, such as with nearsightedness or farsightedness, or as a result of eye diseases, such as a cataract.
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, with no turning. If you notice that your child's eyes are moving inward or outward, if he or she is not focusing on objects, and/or the eyes seem to be crossed, you should seek medical attention. Children with strabismus may also develop secondary vision loss (amblyopia, also know as lazy eye). The onset of strabismus is most common in children younger than six years of age.
The symptoms of strabismus may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.
Early detection and treatment can prevent permanent visual impairment. Strabismus is diagnosed during an eye examination. Eye examinations are recommended for all children by the age of three. However, if your child is having symptoms of strabismus or other eye disorders at any age, a complete eye examination should be performed.
Specific treatment for strabismus will be determined by your child's doctor based on:
Your child may be referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist (eye care specialists) for treatment of this problem. Treatment may include one, or more, of the following:
Strabismus cannot be outgrown. However, early treatment can prevent visual impairment.
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