Understanding Strabismus also known as Misaligned eyes

Eyes that are not in chorus i.e., they do not move in same direction at the same time are misaligned Strabismus, although often referred to as "crossed eyes", is actually the term used to describe any condition in which the eyes are not parallel--whether one eye turns or wanders in or out, or up or down. Strabismus may be present all the time, or it may only appear when a child is tired, ill, or concentrating on nearby objects. It may be obvious from birth, or it may not show up until later in childhood or even in adult life. Most often, strabismus is due to a persisting eye muscle imbalance.

When the eyes do not move in chorus i.e. one eye turns or strolls vertically or horizontally – the state is said to be Strabismus. Strabismus is a medical term for “crossed eyes” or “misaligned eyes”. If the in, out, up or down movement of eyes is obvious, chances are, they are misaligned since birth. Although, nothing can be said as of now but ophthalmologists have a sneaking suspicion that it might be a result of abnormalities with the eye muscles.

The wandering of eyes is very common among infants due to miscordination of eye muscles at birth. Nonetheless, in a month or so the newborn learns to synchronize the eyes and the problem fades away. If not, then a consultation with an ophthalmologist is required to avoid amblyopia. Some children are born with misaligned eyes and others get affected as they get older.

Misaligned eyes may be an indication of a critical ailment, such as diabetes, abnormalities of the nervous system, high BP & thyroid complains. So, in such cases, a diagnosis should be done without delay.

Based on the direction of misalignment, Strabismus is divided into 3 types:

• Esotropia: When one eye is turned inwards.
• Exotropia: When one eye is turned outwards.
• Hypertropia: When one eye is turned upwards.

Strabismus Treatment:

There is no way to prevent strabismus but it can kept from getting complicated with correct diagnosis and suitable treatment.

Children less then three years should be shown to the ophthalmologist.

In different conditions treatment differs, form of strabismus and level of problem are deciding factors. Various eye movements are suggested to make the eye muscles stronger, spectacles, vision therapy are used to enhance the vision of weaker eye.
Although temporary and demands recurring interference, surgical methods can be used to enable the eyes to move simultaneously in the same direction.