Illustration of eyes: one facing ahead, the other looking inward

Crossed Eyes (Strabismus)

Crossed eyes can distort your vision and affect your ability to read or perform daily tasks. It can also take a toll on your self-confidence.

Also known as strabismus, crossed eyes is a condition in which the eyes do not point in the same direction at the same time. 

How can you tell if you or your child has strabismus?

Illustration of eyes: one facing ahead, the other looking inward

The Signs and Symptoms May Not Be Immediately Apparent

Eyes That Move Differently

Normally, both eyes move in unison. In the case of strabismus, one eye is weaker than the other, causing it to move in a different direction. The misaligned eye may point inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia).

Inability to Determine Depth

To create relative depth perception, both eyes must work together. When your eyes do not aim at the same object simultaneously, it can result in partial or total loss of binocular depth perception.

Eye Strain and Headaches

Strabismus that is intermittent or alternating can result in headaches and eye strain, which can make it difficult to concentrate. It can also create unstable or "jittery vision." 

Family History and Vision Conditions Play a Major Role

If your parent or sibling has strabismus, you are more likely to develop it yourself. In addition, severe, untreated farsightedness may result in strabismus because the eyes must work even harder intently to keep objects clear.

Three of the Most Common Causes of Strabismus

Refractive Errors

Though most cases of childhood strabismus are present at birth, crossed eyes can develop as a result of refractive errors such as hyperopia and presbyopia

Neurological Conditions

Neurological or medical conditions that affect motor function can aggravate strabismus present since childhood or trigger its development in adults. These include cerebral palsy and stroke.

Eye, Brain, or Facial Trauma

Strabismus can develop when the muscles in the eye do not function properly. Facial trauma can interfere with the control of these six external muscles and result in strabismus. 

"Two percent of children in the United States have strabismus. Half are born with the condition." Prevent Blindness

Most Forms of Strabismus Cannot Be Prevented

The only preventable type of strabismus is that caused by a severe refractive error. If you notice your child struggles to see properly, your doctor can prescribe eyeglasses to protect them from developing conditions like strabismus.

A Series of Quick and Painless Tests Can Diagnose Strabismus

Test Function
Hirschberg test Evaluate eye alignment
Visual acuity test Assess your ability to see distance
Cover/uncover test Check for issues with eye movement
Retina exam Look at the back of the eyes
Depth perception test Determine the functionality of binocular vision
Vision screening system Scan for strabismus

Your doctor can perform many of these tests during a routine eye examination.

A closeup of a person's eyes in front of an eye exam chart

The results of these tests can help your doctor determine the presence and severity of your condition, as well as recommend the most appropriate form of treatment.

You Have Four Primary Treatment Options from Simple to Surgical

Eyeglasses and Exercise

Vision therapy in combination with strengthening exercises is an effective treatment for mild strabismus. Exercises like pencil pushups and barrel cards can improve eye muscle strength.

Botox (botulinum toxin)

For adults with strabismus, Botox® can be injected into the stronger eye muscles to relax them. This can level the playing field, enabling the weaker eye muscles to catch up.

Eye Patch

If you have developed a lazy eye as a result of misalignment, you may consider wearing an eye patch over your strong eye to strengthen the weaker one

Surgical Solutions

An ophthalmologist can make a small incision in the ocular tissue to gain access to muscles beneath. They can then detach and reposition the muscles to correct the orientation of the eye.

Speak to a Doctor Today

Strabismus is considered a risk factor for amblyopia or “lazy eye,” the leading cause of vision loss among children. Diagnosing strabismus early can be key to less invasive and effective treatment. Speak with a doctor today to schedule a routine exam and protect your or your child's sight.

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GW Eye Associates

Our team at GW Eye Associates in La Jolla and Del Mar can provide a wide range of high-quality eye care services. Dr. Gordon G. Wong and Dr. Wildon C. Wong have over 45 years of combined experience and belong to several prestigious organizations, including:

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Optometric Association
  • NVISION

For more information about our services, contact our office online or call us at (858) 454-4699 today.

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