Dr. Black's Eye Associates of Southern Indiana
302 West 14th Street, Suite 100A
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 284-0660
Monday—Friday | 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Dr. Black's Eye Associates of Southern Indiana
302 West 14th Street, Suite 100B
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 284-1700
Monday—Friday | 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Strabismus
What causes strabismus?
This condition can be caused by problems with the vision center of the brain or with one or more of the six muscles that control the movement and alignment of the eyes. Some strabismus has a genetic cause. Strabismus may be constant or intermittent.
When the eyes are not properly aligned to function together, one eye focuses on an object but the other does not. Instead, the other eye crosses outward, inward, or even upward or downward. When the brain ignores visual signals sent to it by the misaligned eye, and that eye can become “lazy.” The vision of the “lazy” eye may be permanently affected.
What are the signs of strabismus?
The condition may be obvious if the two eyes do not move together, or don’t look at something at the same time. However, a parent may be unable to detect strabismus if the eyes are only slightly misaligned, and should be alert to other signs, such as poor depth perception and bumping into things, turning or tilting the head to look at something, and closing one or both eyes in bright light. A person with strabismus may be unable to read comfortably or tire easily when reading, and experience eyestrain or headaches.
When should a child have an eye exam?
A child should have a professional eye exam between the ages of 3 and 5, earlier if a problem is suspected. One of the things the examiner will check is the alignment of the eyes. The earlier a person with strabismus receives treatment, the better the odds of effectively correcting alignment.
Can a person “outgrow” strabismus?
Only rarely will a person outgrow strabismus.
