The condition strabismus (crossed eyes) occurs when both eyes do not stare in the same direction at the same time. It is more common in people who have poor eye muscle control or who are extremely farsighted. Strabismus is most common in infants and young children under the age of three. The sickness, however, can affect older children and adults. Many people believe that a youngster with strabismus will outgrow it. This is not the case, however. Strabismus may worsen if left untreated. An optometrist should evaluate any child over the age of four months whose eyes do not appear to be straight all of the time.
STRABISMUS CAUSE
Strabismus can be caused by problems with the eye muscles, the nerves that carry information to the muscles, or the control centre in the brain that regulates eye movements. It can also be caused by various medical conditions or eye trauma. Strabismus is commonly hereditary, with approximately 30% of children with the disorder having a family member who also has the issue. visit here
Strabismus is more common in people with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, as well as individuals who have had a stroke or a brain injury.
People with a high level of uncorrected farsightedness (hyperopia) may develop strabismus as a result of the extra eye attention necessary to keep objects clear.
Anyone over the age of four months who appears to have strabismus should have their eyes examined by a paediatric ophthalmologist, who will spend extra time looking at how the eyes focus and move. Pupils are dilated to check the health of internal eye structures, using a series of corrective lenses to assess how light is focused in the eyes, alignment and focus tests, and other procedures are commonly included in the exam.
STRABISMUS TREATMENT
- Begin treatment as soon as feasible. If you don’t, the problem may worsen as you become older. Crossed eyes are present in the majority of persons who were born with them.
- Consult a paediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist, who specialises in children’s vision. They may begin by using eyeglasses or a patch to urge your child to use the off-kilter eye until they are able to see normally again. Sometimes it’s due to a lack of foresight. Glasses may be able to help with the problem.
- The main goal is to have the afflicted eye working properly before your child turns eight years old. After then, permanent vision loss is possible.
- Wearing special spectacles called prism lenses, eye exercises known as Orthoptics, medicines, and even eye muscle surgery are all options for treating Strabismus.
STRABISMUS COMPLICATION AND PRECAUTION
Strabismus is an unavoidable complication. Complications can be prevented if they are detected early enough. Before the age of six months, children should have their eyes inspected, and then again between the ages of three and five years.
Not addressing strabismus in a timely manner might result in hazy vision, severe headaches, persistent weariness, eye strain, double vision, and other problems in the future. As a result, the key to success is treating it at the earliest feasible time.