Strabismus

Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward or downward.

Many people mistake a crossed or turned eye (strabismus) as a “lazy eye,” but “lazy eye” (amblyopia) and strabismus are not the same condition. Some of the confusion may be because strabismus can cause amblyopia.

You may always notice the misalignment, or it may come and go. With normal vision, both eyes aim at the same spot. The brain then fuses the two pictures into a single, three-dimensional image. This three-dimensional image gives us depth perception.

Many adults experience misalignment of the eyes, either because of an unresolved childhood condition or a new problem.

The exact cause of strabismus is not fully understood. Six eye muscles that control eye movement are attached to the outside of each eye. In each eye, two muscles move the eye right or left. The other four muscles move it up and down and at an angle.

For children with constant strabismus, early surgery offers the best chance for the eyes to work well together, and it serves as the best option for long-term outcomes.

In general, it is easier for children to undergo surgery before they reach school age. Recovery time is typically quick, and normal activities can resume within a few days. After surgery, glasses, prisms or eye exercises may be useful. In many cases, further surgery may be needed at a later stage to keep the eyes straight.

Strabismus surgery is usually an effective treatment for eye misalignment. However, it is not a substitute for glasses or amblyopia therapy.