Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes point in different directions. Other terms used to describe strabismus are "squint", "wandering eye", "cross eyed", or a "lazy eye".
When an eye is turned inwards this is known as a convergent squint or an esotropia.
When an eye is turned outwards this is known as a divergent squint or an exotropia.
When an eye is deviated upwards this is known as a vertical squint or hypertropia...
What causes strabismus in adults ?
1. The most common type of adult strabismus involves patients with misaligned eyes from childhood. This problem starts at a time when the patient can suppress (that is, 'turn off') one eye and thus avoid double vision...
2. Weakness of one or more eye muscles caused by damage to the nerves which stimulate the muscles. This usually results in the sudden onset of double vision caused by the eyes becoming misaligned...
3. Poor vision in one eye for whatever reason may eventually cause that eye to drift outwards or inwards...
4. Inflammation of the eye muscles can cause these muscles to become stiff and this may lead to strabismus and double vision. Thyroid eye disease is and example of such a condition. What are the problems associated with strabismus in adults ?
Adults who previous had well aligned eyes and who suddenly develop strabismus, will almost certainly suffer from double vision. The double vision may only be present when they look in a particular direction or it may occur irrespective of where they are looking. This double vision can be very trouble-some as it may interfere with everyday tasks and could disqualify the them from driving. In patients who are struggling to overcome strabismus and keep their eyes together, symptoms such as headaches, "eye strain" and intermittent double vision are common...
How is strabismus detected ?
Strabismus may be noted by the patient themselves (especially if it is causing double vision) or by family and friends. Strabismus is often detected by an Optometrist during a routine eye examination or by a patient's General Practitioner...
What are the treatment options ?
Glasses : – in some case prescribing glasses can enable the patient to realign their eyes...
Prisms : – plastic prisms of the appropriate strength can be stuck on to the spectacle lenses to correct the misalignment of the eyes...
Botox injections : – Botulinum toxin is a drug, which if injected into a muscle causes it to become weakened for 3-4 months. It is frequently used in the management of patients with strabismus..
Surgery : – In many cases of strabismus, surgery is the only effective treatment...
Posted in: Surgery
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