Crossed Eyes

Crossed eyes, medically known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly, causing one or both eyes to turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and may affect depth perception and overall vision. Strabismus can develop in childhood or adulthood and may lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if not treated early.

• Causes: Strabismus can be caused by muscle imbalances in the eyes, where one or more of the six muscles controlling eye movement are too strong or too weak. It can also result from neurological conditions, trauma, or uncorrected refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. In some cases, strabismus is inherited or associated with conditions like cerebral palsy or Down syndrome.
• Symptoms: The primary symptom of strabismus is the misalignment of the eyes. In children, this may cause double vision or poor depth perception, but some children may adapt by ignoring input from the misaligned eye, leading to amblyopia. In adults, strabismus may cause headaches, eye strain, or difficulty with tasks that require precise visual coordination, like reading or driving.
• Treatment: Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of strabismus. Options include corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses, vision therapy to strengthen eye muscles, and, in more severe cases, surgery to adjust the muscles controlling eye movement. Early intervention in children is critical to prevent amblyopia and to improve visual outcomes.