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Strabismus, when the eyes don't look in the same direction
Strabismus is an eye alignment disorder, common in children. If detected and treated early, it has a very good chance of being corrected.
What is strabismus?
Eyes that don't work together
Normally, both eyes look in the same direction and send a single image to the brain. In strabismus, the alignment is disrupted: one eye looks forward and the other deviates inward, outward, up or down.
The deviation can be permanent or intermittent, in one or both eyes. It occurs most often in childhood, but can also occur in adults.
It's not just a matter of appearance. Untreated strabismus in a child can lead to "lazy eye" (amblyopia) and impaired vision.
Forms of strabismus
In which direction does the eye deviate?
Strabismus is classified by the direction of the deviation. The exact type is determined during the consultation and guides the treatment.
esotropia
The eye deviates inward, towards the nose.
Exotropia
The eye deviates outward, towards the temple.
Hypertropia
One eye is deviated upwards.
Hypotropia
One eye is deviated downward.
CAUSE
Why does strabismus occur?
Muscle imbalance
The muscles that move the eye do not work in a coordinated manner.
Uncorrected diopters
Especially high hyperopia, in children, can trigger strabismus.
Heredity
Strabismus may occur more often in families with a history.
Neurological causes
Disorders of the nerves that control eye movements.
prematurely
Children born prematurely are at higher risk.
In adults
Diabetes, thyroid conditions, stroke or trauma.
„"Lazy eye" (amblyopia)
When one eye is deviated, the child's brain receives two different images. To avoid double vision, it "ignores" the image from the deviated eye. Over time, that eye no longer develops normally, and its vision weakens: this is amblyopia.
- Vision develops in the first years of life, when the brain is "moldable.".
- Treated early, amblyopia has a high chance of recovery.
- After a certain age, recovery becomes much more difficult.
Diagnostic
A consultation that evaluates the entire package
In children, an eye exam can detect strabismus and amblyopia even before parents notice anything. We evaluate alignment, vision in each eye, and diopters.
Treatment at Oculens
Realignment and good view
Treatment is chosen based on the type, cause, and age. Often, several methods are combined, gradually.
Glasses
Diopter correction, especially hyperopia, can reduce or correct the deviation.
Occlusion (patch)
Covering the good eye trains and strengthens the lazy eye.
Orthoptic exercises
Exercises that train coordination and binocular vision.
Botulinum toxin
In selected cases, it temporarily relaxes a muscle to correct the deviation.
Muscle surgery
Adjusting the eye muscles to realign the eyes, when necessary.
Monitoring over time
Regular check-ups to adjust treatment as the child grows.
With children, time matters.
The earlier we discover strabismus, the easier it is to treat.
If you notice that your child's eyes aren't looking in the same direction, that they're tilting their head, or that they're closing one eye to light, schedule an eye exam. An eye exam is useful even if your child seems to have good vision.
Schedule a consultationFrequently asked questions
What are they asking? parents
Does strabismus go away on its own?
Usually not. True strabismus does not go away on its own and needs evaluation and treatment. In very young infants there may be a transient deviation, but any persistent deviation should be checked by a doctor.
From what age can a child be examined?
Even from a young age. There are adapted methods that do not require the little one to read or collaborate much. If you notice a deviation, don't wait, an early consultation is the best thing.
Do patches really help?
Yes. By covering the strong eye, the brain is "forced" to use the lazy eye, which thus strengthens it. It is one of the most effective methods for amblyopia, if applied correctly and on time.
Is strabismus always operated on?
No. Many cases improve with glasses, occlusion, and exercises. Surgery is recommended when necessary to realign the eyes, and the decision is made on an individual basis.
Does it also occur in adults?
Yes. In adults, it can occur after conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, stroke, or trauma, often with double vision. In this case, too, there are treatment solutions.
Schedule a consultation for strabismus
We evaluate eye alignment and vision, in children and adults, and establish the most appropriate plan. We are waiting for you at Calea Turzii 134-136, Cluj-Napoca.