Strabismus Its CausesTypes and Effective Treatment Methods

The eyes are one of the most important senses we rely on in our daily lives, and any issue affecting them can impact vision, appearance, and self-confidence. Strabismus is a common condition that can affect both children and adults, causing the eyes to be misaligned and not focused in the same direction. Some children are born with strabismus, while in others, it develops over time due to vision problems or muscle issues. The good news is that strabismus is treatable, whether through glasses, exercises, or surgery if necessary.In this Dalili Medical guide, we will discuss the causes types, and treatment of strabismus using all available methods, as well as how to prevent it as much as possible.

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes do not align properly and fail to focus on the same point. It can be constant or intermittent and may appear directed forward or toward the sides. Sometimes, strabismus is present from birth, while in other cases, it develops later in life.

Types of Strabismus

There are two main types of strabismus:

1. Comitant Strabismus

In this case, the angle of eye deviation remains constant in all directions of gaze. This means that the degree of misalignment does not change whether the person looks straight ahead, upward, or in any other direction.

2. Incomitant Strabismus

In this type, the degree of misalignment varies depending on the direction of gaze. It may result from paralysis of one or more muscles responsible for eye movement, causing the deviation angle to change with different viewing directions.

Types of Strabismus Based on Eye Direction

Esotropia (Inward Strabismus): The affected eye turns inward, towards the nose.
Exotropia (Outward Strabismus): The affected eye turns outward, towards the ear.
Hypertropia (Upward Strabismus): The affected eye turns upward.
Hypotropia (Downward Strabismus): The affected eye turns downward.

When Does Strabismus Appear?

Strabismus can develop at any age, but it most commonly appears in childhood. In some cases, it is visible within the first few months of a baby’s life, often due to farsightedness. Acquired strabismus, on the other hand, can occur later in life due to weakened vision in one eye.

Causes of Strabismus

Several factors can contribute to the development of strabismus, including:

Weak vision in one eye.
Neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.
Congenital disorders, such as hydrocephalus (fluid accumulation in the brain).
Stroke, which affects the nerves responsible for eye movement.
Visual strain, especially due to excessive use of smartphones and digital screens.

Complications of Strabismus

If left untreated, strabismus can lead to:

Vision problems, such as double vision.
Amblyopia (lazy eye), where one eye weakens due to reduced usage.
Psychological and social challenges, as strabismus affects facial appearance and can impact self-esteem

Diagnosis and Treatment of Strabismus

Diagnosis of Strabismus

Strabismus is diagnosed through an eye examination by an ophthalmologist. If there are any complaints related to strabismus symptoms, a comprehensive eye examination is necessary to determine the cause, type of strabismus, and the best treatment method.

Treatment Options for Strabismus

The treatment of strabismus depends on its cause and severity. The available options include:

1. Prescription Glasses

Corrective lenses are prescribed to treat refractive errors such as farsightedness, which can help in managing certain types of strabismus, especially accommodative strabismus.

2. Vision Therapy and Eye Exercises

In some cases, specific exercises are recommended to strengthen eye muscles and improve eye coordination.

3. Surgery

When glasses and exercises are ineffective, surgical intervention may be necessary. Strabismus surgery involves:

Weakening the overactive eye muscle by repositioning it further back.
Strengthening a weak eye muscle by shortening it to increase its tension.

4. Botox Injections

Botox injections are sometimes used in mild cases of strabismus to relax the eye muscles and align the eyes correctly.

Strabismus Due to Smartphone Use

Excessive use of smartphones has been linked to eye strain and strabismus, especially in children and young adults. Studies show that children who use smartphones for 4-8 hours per day are at higher risk of developing strabismus.

Prevention Tips:

✅ Reduce screen time.
✅ Take regular breaks to rest the eyes.
✅ Use blue light-blocking glasses for protection.

Intermittent Strabismus in Children

In some cases, intermittent strabismus may appear in children and is considered normal up to the age of 6 months. However, if it persists beyond this age, a doctor’s consultation is recommended.

Symptoms of Intermittent Strabismus:

Light sensitivity.
Dizziness or headaches.
Difficulty concentrating.
Double vision (in rare cases).

Treatment for Intermittent Strabismus:

???? Prescription Glasses – to correct vision problems.
???? Patching Therapy – covering the healthy eye to encourage the weaker eye to work better.
???? Eye Exercises – to strengthen eye muscles.

Congenital Strabismus and Its Treatment

Congenital strabismus appears at birth or within the first six months of life. It may be hereditary or caused by muscle dysfunction.

Treatment Options:

Surgery – recommended for severe cases.
Glasses – if the strabismus is related to vision problems.

Benefits of Strabismus Surgery

✔ Quick and effective results.
✔ Patients can resume normal activities the next day.
✔ Improved eye alignment enhances facial appearance and boosts self-confidence.

Conclusion

If you notice strabismus in children or adults, consulting a specialized ophthalmologist is essential. Early treatment yields the best outcomes, whether through glasses, vision therapy, or surgery. Additionally, reducing excessive screen time and maintaining good eye health habits can help prevent vision problems.

Which Doctor Treats Strabismus?

The best specialist for treating strabismus is an ophthalmologist specializing in strabismus correction and pediatric ophthalmology. In some cases, a team approach involving an eye surgeon and an optometrist may be necessary, especially if strabismus is related to refractive errors or muscle disorders.