STRABISMUS TREATMENT AT KMN EYECARE

Strabismus, or squint, is a condition where the eyes fail to maintain proper alignment and thus appear to be looking in two different directions. There are different types of strabismus, each of which is named according to the direction of the eye misalignment. For example, when one eye looks directly at the object while the other eye appears to be looking inward, this is esotropia. If the eye is looking outward, it is exotropia, while upward is hypertropia and downward is hypotropia.  Strabismus is caused by malfunctioning extraocular muscles that serve to control eye movement. This may stem from anatomical or neurological disorders, or refractive errors that are left untreated for too long. Children with a family history of strabismus have a greater risk of developing the condition.

In adults, if the strabismus has suddenly occurred, this results in double vision. For young children, however, the brain learns to ignore the image from the misaligned eye. Nonetheless, the child then loses his or her distance and depth perception. 

KMN EyeCare’s strabismus experts provide comprehensive eye examinations for patients with strabismus, and the subsequent treatment is decided by our specialists on a case-by- case basis.  While some patients may only require glasses, patches, and exercises as treatment, others may require strabismus surgery.

Strabismus can either occur at birth or develop later in life.  One obvious symptom of strabismus is when two eyes are looking in different directions. Often, strabismus symptoms and signs can be noted when children, for example, squint, close one eye, or tilt their head when looking at an object to temporarily align their sight. This sort of eye misalignment sends two separate images of the same object to the brain. To avoid double vision, the brain is able to ignore and supress the image that it receives from the misaligned eye. This, however, can develop into amblyopia, or lazy eye, of the misaligned eye. Furthermore, strabismus may also stem from lazy eye itself. Eye conditions such as refractive errors, cataract, and droopy eye lid may lead to amblyopia, thus further resulting in strabismus.  Early examination of strabismus as soon as it is detected is thus very important in avoiding further eye illnesses.

The cause of strabismus in adults stems from conditions such as vascular disorders (problems related to blood vessels), trauma, and neurological problems. Unlike in children, the sudden onset of strabismus will lead to double vision in adults.