Strabismus In Children
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is strabismus? Strabismus (strah-BIZ-mus) is also called squint, crossed-eye, or walleye. It is a condition where the eyes look in different directions and do not focus on a single point. One eye is sometimes or always turned in, out, up, or down. Strabismus usually begins in early childhood and may last until adulthood if not treated as soon as possible. Vision (eyesight) normally needs both eyes to look in one direction at the same time. The eye muscles work together to move the eyes in the same direction. When your child has strabismus, the muscles do not work properly to control the movement of the eyes. Your child's brain gets two different pictures and will ignore the picture from the weaker eye.
What are the causes of strabismus? Strabismus may be congenital or hereditary which means your child was born with it. It may also be acquired after birth and may be caused by any of the following conditions:
- Amblyopia (lazy eye) or errors in the lens of the eyes.
- Eye muscle paralysis (loss of movement).
- Problems or injuries to the brain that may affect eye function.
- Retinopathy of prematurity which is problem in the retina. The retina is the part of the eye that captures light and sends information to the brain. Retinopathy of prematurity usually happens in children born premature (less than nine months).
- Tumors which may compress the structures, muscles or nerves around the eyes.
What are the signs and symptoms of strabismus? The most common sign of strabismus is when you see your child's eyes not looking at the same object at the same time. You may also notice any of the following:
- Your child's eyes are wandering or crossing more frequently.
- Your child's eyes feel tired or have discomfort during and after activity using the eyes.
- Your child looks at you with one eye closed or his head turned to the side frequently.
- Your child has headaches occurring more frequently or has difficulty reading.
- Your child has blurring of vision, double vision, or increased sensitivity to bright lights.
How is strabismus diagnosed? Your child's caregiver may see the condition immediately just by looking at your child. He may also ask you questions about your child's past medical and health history. Your child may have several tests and examinations that will check on how his eyes are doing. This may include tests to check on the muscles, nerves, and lens of the eyes. Your child's caregiver may also need to check the blood vessels inside your child's eyes using special instruments.
How is strabismus treated? Treatment of strabismus is to make the weaker eye work more than the stronger eye. Medicines for the eye muscles may be given to improve eye movements. Your child may be asked to wear corrective glasses or contact lenses. Your child's caregiver may also ask your child to wear an eye patch on his stronger eye. Your child may be taught exercises for the eyes to help him control his eye muscles better. Some children may need to have surgery to correct problems with the eye muscles. This is done only if the condition is severe (bad) and if other therapies fail.
Where can I find more information? Contact the following for more information:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
7424
San Francisco, CA 941207424
Phone: 1-415-5618500
Web Address: http://www.aao.org/
- Prevent Blindness America
211 W. Wacker Dr, Ste 1700
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 1-800-331-2020
Web Address: www.preventblindness.org
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.
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