Strabismus Evaluation And Management Specialist

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus is a condition where both eyes do not point in the same direction. While one eye may point straight ahead, the other eye points in any other direction. Because both eyes aren’t looking in the same direction, your vision isn’t complete. This condition may be constant or may come and go, only happening at certain times.

While it’s more common with children, adults may also have this condition. In either case, getting effective treatment from the experienced team at VistaSite Eye Care is important, as the problem will not improve on its own and may, in fact, be a sign of other underlying problems, especially for adults. Strabismus is treatable and reversible with proper care and management from VistaSite Eye Care.

What is the Cause of Strabismus?

Strabismus is an issue caused by a miscommunication between the muscles in your eye and your brain. Normally, the muscles of both eyes communicate with and are directed by the brain to move together. When there is something that causes a miscommunication, the eyes aren’t able to move together and therefore can’t give you a fully dimensional image.

Some conditions that can lead to strabismus, especially in cases of childhood onset, include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Hydrocephalus
• Brain tumors
• Prematurity

When strabismus occurs in adults, the cause is more likely to be one of the following:

• Cataracts
• Eye injury
• Stroke
• Brain tumors
• Aneurysm

Especially for adults, sudden onset of strabismus may be a sign that immediate medical attention is needed.

How is Strabismus Treated?

How your optometrist decides to treat strabismus depends on the cause of your condition. They determine the best course of treatment based on the reason your eye muscles aren’t responding correctly.

Often, the treatment is a matter of retraining the muscles to work together. This is often the case with children and may be done through:

• Special glasses
• Bifocals
• Eye patching
• Eye exercises

If these methods aren’t successful, or they aren’t a viable option for you or your child, your optometrist may recommend eye surgery to repair the muscles or address the underlying reason the muscles aren’t functioning correctly.

The optometrists at VistaSite Eye Care are experts at the care and treatment of strabismus, whatever the cause. They work closely with you to determine what’s causing your problem and create a specialized plan to correct your vision.

To learn more and to schedule a consultation, call or book an appointment online today.