What Is Strabismus?

Strabismus Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

© Karla Reed

Strabismus is usually correctable, kconnors

Strabismus, often confused with "lazy eye", has many causes but is most often treatable and correctable.

Over 50% of children with strabismus have the condition at or shortly post birth and often the cause is unknown. In adults, strabismus is usually a result of an underlying medical condition or injury.

The condition is usually correctable but long term effects will and can occur if medical attention is not appropriately sought.

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus is a lack of coordination between the eyes resulting in a crossed eyed appearance. When looking at an object the eyes will turn without unison. It is not lazy eye.

Strabismus can be classified into two general categories:

What are the symptoms of Strabismus?

Symptoms of strabismus may include:

What are the causes of Strabismus?

The causes differ greatly between adults and children with Strabismus.

In children, the cause is often unknown but can include the following:

In adults, causes of strabismus can include:

What is the treatment for Strabismus?

Treatment plans vary dependent upon the patients’ individual history but generally include:

  1. First attempting to strengthen the weakened eye muscles with glasses and/or eye exercises.
  2. Secondly, patching of the preferred eye for those with amblyopia (lazy eye).
  3. If strengthening efforts do not succeed, surgery may be selected to realign the muscles.

Is Strabismus hereditary?

Yes, a family history of strabismus is a risk factor. A family history of farsightedness is also a contributing factor.

What are the long term effects of Strabismus?

Other Relevent Articles: Treating Eyelid Twitch

Sources:

Medline Plus

All About Strabismus


The copyright of the article What Is Strabismus? in General Medicine is owned by Karla Reed. Permission to republish What Is Strabismus? must be granted by the author in writing.


Strabismus is usually correctable, kconnors
       


Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo