Strabismus, commonly known as squint, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other remains focused. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and may affect both children and adults. If left untreated, strabismus can lead to vision problems like amblyopia (lazy eye) and depth perception issues.
Causes of Strabismus
Strabismus occurs due to an imbalance in the eye muscles, nerve disorders, or refractive errors. Some common causes include:
Genetic factors – Family history of squint increases the risk.
Refractive errors – Uncorrected farsightedness can lead to eye strain and misalignment.
Neurological conditions – Issues affecting the brain’s control over eye movement.
Eye muscle problems – Weak or overactive eye muscles can cause misalignment.
Childhood illnesses – Conditions like cerebral palsy and Down syndrome increase susceptibility.
Treatment Options for Strabismus
Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Some common approaches include:
Glasses and Contact Lenses
For strabismus caused by refractive errors, corrective glasses or contact lenses can help align the eyes by reducing strain. Bifocal or prism lenses are often recommended for better eye coordination.
Vision Therapy and Eye Exercises
Vision therapy includes specialized eye exercises designed to strengthen eye muscles and improve coordination. These exercises are particularly effective for children with mild strabismus and can be done under an eye specialist’s supervision.
Patching Therapy
If one eye is weaker due to amblyopia, an eye patch is placed over the stronger eye to encourage the weaker eye to work harder and improve its function.
Botox Injections
In some cases, Botox injections are used to temporarily weaken overactive eye muscles, helping the eyes align properly. This is often used for adults or temporary correction before surgery.
Surgical Treatment
When other treatments fail, strabismus surgery is recommended. The procedure involves tightening or loosening specific eye muscles to restore proper alignment. It is a safe and effective solution with a high success rate, especially in children.
Strabismus treatment varies based on age, severity, and cause. Early intervention, especially in children, improves the chances of successful treatment and prevents long-term vision issues. Consulting an ophthalmologist is crucial to determining the best approach for managing strabismus effectively hildren, improves the chances of successful treatment and prevents long-term vision issues. Consulting an ophthalmologist is crucial to determining the best approach for managing strabismus effectively.