Strabismus in Children: Early Detection and Treatment Options
Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes don’t align properly, affecting depth perception and potentially leading to amblyopia (lazy eye). This condition affects 2-4% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in children. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term visual and psychosocial consequences.
What are the signs of strabismus in children?
Look out for:
- Eyes that don’t look in the same direction.
- One eye turning in, out, up, or down, especially when the child is tired or focusing on an object.
- Head tilting or squinting to see better.
- Complaints of double vision or headaches.
What causes strabismus?
Strabismus can be caused by various factors:
- Congenital abnormalities: Present at or shortly after birth, often due to genetic or developmental issues.
- Acquired conditions: Developing later in life due to trauma, neurological disorders, or systemic illnesses.
- Dysfunction in the extraocular muscles: These muscles control eye movement, and issues with their length, tension, or nerve signals can lead to misalignment.
- Problems with the brain’s ability to coordinate eye movements: This can include issues with the visual processing centers in the brain.
How is strabismus diagnosed?
An ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, including:
- Visual acuity assessment: To check the clarity of vision in each eye.
- Alignment tests: To determine the type and severity of misalignment.
- Evaluation of binocular function: To assess depth perception and how the eyes work together.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment for strabismus aims to restore eye alignment and improve binocular vision. Options include:
- Non-surgical approaches:
- Corrective lenses: For refractive errors and certain types of esotropia (inward turning of the eyes).
- Vision therapy: Exercises to improve eye coordination and depth perception.
- Prism therapy: Prisms on glasses can help manage double vision and improve fusion (merging of images from both eyes).
- Surgical interventions: For moderate to severe cases, surgery can adjust the length or position of eye muscles to improve alignment.
What is the importance of early detection and treatment?
Untreated strabismus can lead to:
- Amblyopia: The brain ignores the visual input from the misaligned eye, leading to reduced vision in that eye.
- Impaired depth perception: Difficulty judging distances and seeing in 3D.
- Psychosocial effects: Children may experience low self-esteem, social challenges, and difficulties in school.
Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, allowing for better visual development and a higher chance of restoring binocular vision.
Eye Care for Children at Madurai Eye Center
As the best children eye hospital in Coimbatore, Madurai Eye Center offers cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies for pediatric eye care, including the management of strabismus. From routine screenings to advanced treatments, we provide personalized care for each child’s needs. We are also recognized as the best eye surgery hospital in Coimbatore, offering expert surgical and non-surgical strabismus treatments for eye alignment disorders in children.
If you notice any signs of strabismus in your child, consult an ophthalmologist immediately. Contact us at +91 9626613737. Remember, early intervention is key to achieving the best possible vision and overall well-being for your child.
Schedule an appointment at Madurai Eye Center (RS Puram & Kuniyamuthur), or call us at +91 9626613737 to know more
Our Super Specialists
Highly-Skilled | Professional | Experienced
Dr A Srinivasan
Medical Director
Dr Nithin K Srinivasan
Retinal Surgeon & Uveitis Specialist
Dr Naveen K Srinivasan
Corneal & Refractive Surgeon
World-class Eye Care
Our mission to ensure precision in your vision
Recent Blogs
Resources to keep You informed with our blog