Strabismus (Squint)
Strabismus, commonly known as “crossed eyes” or “squint,” is a visual condition where the eyes do not align properly. One eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards while the other eye maintains a straight gaze. This misalignment can lead to double vision or the brain suppressing input from one eye.
Untreated strabismus can lead to visual and functional problems. Early diagnosis and intervention are important.
A family history of strabismus can increase the risk of the condition but not in all cases.
Not always, but early detection and treatment can minimise its impact.
Ask your primary care physician or Optometrist for a referral or search for a paediatric or adult strabismus specialists in your area.
Strabismus (Squint) in Adults
Strabismus can also occur in adults where the eyes are misaligned, causing them to point in different directions. This can lead to double vision, reduced depth perception, and visual discomfort.
Adult strabismus can be caused by factors such as childhood strabismus that wasn’t fully corrected, trauma, neurological conditions, and certain medical issues.
Causes of Strabismus in Adults:
Unresolved Childhood Strabismus: Strabismus that develops in childhood but isn’t fully treated or corrected can persist into adulthood. In some cases, the misalignment might worsen over time.
Nerve and Muscle Issues: Problems with the nerves that control eye movement (cranial nerves) or the muscles responsible for eye movement can lead to adult strabismus. Neurological conditions like stroke, head injury, or brain tumours can affect these components.
Thyroid-Related Eye Disorders: Conditions like Graves’ disease can cause eye muscle and tissue swelling, leading to strabismus in adults.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, and other neuromuscular disorders can contribute to adult-onset strabismus.
Trauma: Injuries to the eye or the surrounding structures can disrupt the delicate balance of eye muscles, resulting in misalignment.
Vision Loss: If one eye experiences a significant decrease in vision, the brain might suppress its input, causing the eye to deviate.
Craniofacial Abnormalities: Some congenital craniofacial abnormalities or genetic conditions can predispose adults to strabismus.
Age-Related Changes: The ageing process can lead to changes in the eye muscles and their control, potentially causing misalignment.
Binocular Vision (eyes ability to work together) Disorders: Issues with binocular vision an result in adult strabismus.
Vascular Disorders: Conditions affecting blood vessels and blood supply to the eye muscles can play a role in strabismus development.
Medications: Certain medications or their side effects can impact the neuromuscular system and contribute to strabismus.
Idiopathic Strabismus: In some instances, the exact cause of adult strabismus may remain unclear, leading to a diagnosis of idiopathic (unknown cause) strabismus.
Yes, adult strabismus can often be treated with various options including corrective lenses, exercises, prism glasses, and in some cases, surgery.
Glasses and Contact Lenses: In some cases, wearing corrective lenses with prisms can help align the eyes and improve double vision. Prisms bend light, allowing the eyes to work together more effectively.
Exercise Therapy: Exercise therapy involves a series of specialised exercises and activities aimed at improving eye coordination, focusing, and binocular vision. It can be particularly effective for certain types of strabismus.
Prism Glasses: Prism glasses are prescription glasses that contain prisms, which can help alleviate symptoms of double vision and assist in aligning the eyes.
Botox Injections: In cases where specific eye muscles are overactive or contributing to misalignment, Botox injections can be used to weaken these muscles temporarily, allowing the eyes to align better.
Surgery: Strabismus surgery involves adjusting the tension of eye muscles to realign the eyes. It can be performed on one or both eyes, depending on the type and severity of the strabismus. Surgery is typically recommended when other treatments haven’t provided satisfactory results or when the misalignment is causing functional difficulties.
Treatment of Underlying Conditions: If strabismus is caused by an underlying medical condition, addressing that condition can sometimes lead to improvement in eye alignment.
Surgery is one treatment option, but depending on the individual case, non-surgical approaches like exercise therapy or prism glasses may also be effective.
Yes, misaligned eyes can lead to eye strain, headaches, and discomfort. Treating the underlying strabismus can help alleviate these symptoms.
Yes, adult strabismus can sometimes develop suddenly due to certain medical conditions or neurological factors such as strokes.
Strabismus (Squint) in Children
Yes, strabismus can be present from birth or develop during infancy or early childhood.
Strabismus can result from issues with eye muscles, nerve control, or vision development during early childhood.
Causes of Strabismus in Children:
Eye Muscle Imbalance: Strabismus often occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles that control eye movement. If these muscles do not work together properly, one eye may deviate from its normal alignment.
Vision Development Issues: During infancy and early childhood, the visual system is still developing. If both eyes do not receive clear and focused images, the brain may suppress input from one eye, leading to misalignment.
Congenital Factors: Some children are born with strabismus, which may be due to factors such as genetic predisposition, abnormal development of eye structures, or neurological issues.
Refractive Errors: Conditions like farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia), or astigmatism can contribute to strabismus. The eyes may turn to avoid using the blurry eye for focusing.
Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome can affect the brain’s control over eye movements and lead to strabismus.
Childhood Illnesses or Injuries: Serious illnesses, infections, or head injuries during childhood can affect the nerves and muscles controlling eye movement, potentially causing strabismus.
Premature Birth: Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk for developing strabismus due to the incomplete development of the visual system.
Heredity: Strabismus can run in families, suggesting a genetic component. Children with a family history of strabismus may have an increased risk of developing the condition.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): If one eye has significantly better visual acuity than the other, the brain may suppress the weaker eye’s input, causing strabismus in an attempt to avoid double vision.
An eye specialist such as an Orthoptist will perform a comprehensive eye exam, including assessing eye movements, focusing abilities, and coordination.
Yes, untreated strabismus can lead to “lazy eye” (amblyopia), where the brain suppresses the input from one eye, causing reduced vision.
Early intervention is crucial. Treatment options can include corrective lenses, exercises, and, if necessary, surgery.
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Important Note
The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for an assessment and personalised medical advice.