Eye alignment and movement is intended to work in three planes: forward, up-and-down, and side-to-side. That said, children can develop a condition that leaves their eyes crossed or misaligned, which can affect their vision development over time. If left unchecked, it can carry into adulthood and cause both visual and emotional plights.

IN THIS ARTICLE...

1. What is strabismus?
2. What causes strabismus?
3. How is strabismus diagnosed?
4. Why is it important to diagnose strabismus early?
5. How is strabismus treated?

What is strabismus?

Strabismus refers to misalignment of the eyes. This is a disorder that occurs in both children and adults where the eyes are not lined up with each other. There are different types of strabismus. Dr. Elliot McKee, a CEENTA pediatric ophthalmologist who practices out of our SouthPark and Belmont offices, describes the various types of strabismus. “The affected eye may deviate inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia).”

What causes strabismus?

Strabismus can be present in childhood, or it can be acquired in adulthood. There are a variety of reasons why someone can acquire misalignment of the eyes. Having an evaluation by a pediatric ophthalmologist is imperative to assist in diagnosis and determine best treatment.

How is strabismus diagnosed?

To test for strabismus, an ophthalmologist will perform a thorough eye exam for the patient. In addition to a standard eye exam inspecting all of the anatomy, the physician or physician’s orthoptist will also perform multiple tests examining the way the eyes move, track, and align with each other. This typically involves flashlights, alternating a cover over each eye, measuring strabismus with prisms, and having the patient track objects.

Why is it important to diagnosis strabismus early?

Sarah Smith, an orthoptist who practices alongside Dr. McKee, explains how vital early intervention can be. “Children are still learning how to see. The visual system from the eye to the brain is rapidly developing in the first two years of life and has been proven to continue to develop until about the age of 10. When a child’s eye is misaligned, their brain may learn to ignore the eye and cause permanent vision loss if not treated.” Early intervention is extremely important in managing and treating childhood strabismus.

How is strabismus treated?

Treatment options may include glasses, patches, prescription eye drops, eye muscle surgery, or prism glasses. In some cases, orthoptics (eye exercises) can help strengthen the eye for additional therapeutic support.

Surgery is available for both adults and children. Regardless of the age of the patient, the surgery is performed by a pediatric ophthalmologists. Your doctor will help guide you as to whether surgery is a good option for you, and when is the ideal age and time for surgery.

Dr. Hayley Klein, a pediatric ophthalmologist from our Fort Mill office, dispels a falsehood about surgical intervention. “It is a common misconception that if surgery is not done in childhood, then it cannot be done as an adult. This is not true! If you are a good candidate for surgery, then surgery can be done at any age!”

Strabismus surgery is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in approximately thirty minutes to two hours. Following the treatment, the patient’s physician will prescribe eye drops to assist in the healing process. Over the counter pain relief medication will usually suffice during the post-op period.

If you or a loved one are dealing with misaligned eyes, you can find the relief you need at CEENTA. Our team of award-winning ophthalmologists can evaluate the extent of strabismus and suggest both surgical and non-surgical treatment options to treat your misaligned eyes. To schedule your or your child’s strabismus consultation with Dr. McKee and Sarah in SouthPark or Belmont or with Dr. Klein in Fort Mill, call 704-295-3000.