Strabismus

Strabismus is a constant or intermittent deviation of one eye from the common fixation point, caused by a disruption in the mechanism that allows both eyes to fixate on the same point. One eye may look straight ahead while the other deviates outward, inward, upward, or downward. Strabismus is a fairly common condition, occurring in approximately 3–4% of children, but it can also develop in adults. Strabismus may be hereditary.

Thanks to good visual acuity and proper eye alignment, a person forms a harmonious and accurate perception of the surrounding world from early childhood. The visual image is clear and wide. However, quite often the eyes deviate from their parallel visual axis alignment, resulting in strabismus. This is both a cosmetic and functional problem associated with an imbalance of the extraocular (eye-moving) muscles.

Strabismus can be convergent (when the eyes turn toward the nose), divergent (when they turn outward), vertical (when one eye deviates upward or downward), unilateral (when only one eye deviates), alternating (when the eyes alternately deviate from the visual axis), or paralytic (when eye movements are limited toward the affected muscle). In cases of strabismus, adolescents or adults experience discomfort, complain of rapid eye fatigue, dizziness, and double vision, which significantly worsens quality of life.

The earlier eye deviation is detected, the causes of strabismus are correctly diagnosed, and treatment is started, the greater the likelihood of correcting the cosmetic defect and achieving good vision in both eyes.

Of course, strabismus should be treated in childhood as soon as it is detected. Properly selected glasses can reduce the degree of eye deviation or even completely eliminate strabismus. An ophthalmologist prescribes appropriate glasses, therapeutic eye exercises, and treatment using various devices. The goal of these measures is not only to make the eye muscles work correctly but also to improve vision. Children can start wearing glasses as early as 6 months of age. Sometimes the better-seeing eye is temporarily covered so that the squinting eye gradually strengthens and begins to fixate properly. Treatment must be continuous, because even a two-week break from wearing glasses can negate all progress. If optical treatment is insufficient, surgical treatment is performed—eye-moving muscles are operated on by shortening or lengthening them. In some cases, more than one surgery may be required.

Modern methods of eye disease correction allow us to eliminate strabismus even in patients with low visual acuity. At the “Naujas regėjimas” Eye Clinic, we provide comprehensive care for patients with strabismus. Accurate diagnostics, correct treatment strategy, careful monitoring of progress, and reliable consolidation of treatment results—all these stages are fully implemented in our clinic.

Strabismus can be successfully treated at any age. Let us help you!