Crossed Eyes: What is it?

Crossed eyes, also known as strabismus, is a condition that affects the alignment of the eyes. When a person has crossed eyes, one eye may appear to be pointing straight ahead while the other eye is turned inward, outward, upward or downward. This misalignment can cause problems with depth perception and can lead to eye strain, headaches, and double vision.

Crossed eyes occur when the muscles that control eye movement are not working properly. In a healthy eye, both eyes work together to focus on the same point. The brain then combines the two images to create a single, three-dimensional image. When the eyes are misaligned, the brain receives two different images, which can cause confusion and lead to vision problems.

There are several different types of strabismus, including:

• Esotropia: In this type of strabismus, one eye turns inward, toward the nose.
• Exotropia: In this type of strabismus, one eye turns outward, away from the nose.
• Hypertropia: In this type of strabismus, one eye turns upward.
• Hypotropia: In this type of strabismus, one eye turns downward.

Strabismus can occur in children and adults, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. In children, the condition may be caused by a problem with the muscles that control eye movement, a problem with the nerves that control these muscles, or a problem with the brain's ability to process visual information. In some cases, crossed eyes may be caused by a family history of the condition.

In adults, strabismus may be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Injury to the eye or the muscles that control eye movement.
• A brain tumor or other neurological condition.
• Graves' disease or other thyroid problems.
• Stroke or other vascular problems.
• Certain medications, such as muscle relaxants.

Treatment for crossed eyes depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, contact lenses may be used to correct the problem. In other cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the muscles that control eye movement. Vision therapy, which involves exercises designed to improve eye coordination, may also be used to treat strabismus.

If left untreated, strabismus can lead to serious vision problems, including amblyopia (lazy eye), where one eye becomes weaker than the other due to lack of use. This can cause permanent vision loss in the weaker eye, so it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible if you suspect you or your child may have crossed eyes.

In conclusion, crossed eyes, or strabismus, is a condition that affects the alignment of the eyes and can lead to vision problems if left untreated. Treatment options include glasses or contact lenses, surgery, and vision therapy. If you suspect you or your child may have crossed eyes, it's important to seek medical attention to prevent long-term vision problems.