What is Strabismus? Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment

Strabismus is an eye disease in which the eyes are not symmetrical. Normally, the eyes should properly look in the same direction. In this case, one eye looks straight ahead and the other eye looks in a different direction. Therefore, a condition known as double vision or refractive error can occur, which causes the two eyes to focus in different places and receive different images.

Cleft palate is usually congenital, but it can also develop later. Congenital cleft can be seen in babies or children. Secondary strabismus can be caused by many different causes, such as neurological diseases, trauma, infections, or thyroid disorders.

If left untreated, strabismus can lead to more serious problems such as vision loss. Therefore, it is important that people with suspected cataracts consult an ophthalmologist and take the necessary steps for diagnosis and treatment.

What are the signs of strabismus?

The most obvious sign of strabismus is that the eyes look in different directions. In children, strabismus can present with symptoms such as squinting or closing one eye in the sun, frequent stumbling and falling, and difficulty reading and writing. Left untreated, strabismus in children can lead to amblyopia, double vision, headaches and self-confidence problems later in life.

In general, symptoms of strabismus may include:

Eyes looking in different directions

Eye movement independent of each other: One eye looks straight, while the other eye moves up, down, right or left.

Blurred vision

Double Vision (Diplopia): When the eyes do not focus properly on an object, the same object may appear as two separate objects.

Eye strain

Loss of depth perception

Closing or squinting of one eye

Repetitive blinking or eye rubbing

What Causes Strabismus?

The main causes of squint are nerve damage in the eyes or dysfunction of the muscles around the eyes. Other reasons are:

Genetic factors

Untreated refractive errors

Poor vision in one eye

Cerebral palsy

Down syndrome

Hydrocephalus disease

Glioma

Stroke

Head injuries that can damage the brain area, nerves, and eye muscles

Neurological (nervous system) problems

Diabetes mellitus

What Are the Types of Depression?

Types of strabismus differ according to the degree, direction and age of the strabismus:

Esotropia: In this type of strabismus, one or both eyes turn inward towards the nose. This condition can be observed in both children and adults.

Exotropia: In this type of strabismus, one or both eyes turn outward towards the ear. Exotropia may be more visible, especially when looking at a long distance.

Hypertropia: In this type, one eye turns upwards. The other eye remains in the normal position.

Hypotropia: One eye points downward. The other eye remains in the normal position.

Alternate strabismus: Both eyes alternately turn in different directions. For example, sometimes a strabismus occurs in the right eye, while at other times it occurs in the left eye.

Covert strabismus (Heterophoria): This type can only be seen under certain conditions, such as stress or fatigue. The eyes normally look in the right direction, but in certain cases, strabismus occurs.

How is strabismus diagnosed?

Strabismus is diagnosed through several methods and tests. An eye doctor (ophthalmologist) can use different methods to make this diagnosis:

1. Anamnesis: The doctor first asks about the medical history of the patient or parents. At this stage, he learns when the symptoms started, how they develop, and whether there are similar problems in the patient's family.

2. Vision test: The doctor performs various tests to check vision. These tests determine the visual acuity of both eyes and the presence of any refractive errors.

3. Eye movement test: The doctor evaluates the movement of the eyes. During this test, the doctor asks the patient to move his eyes in different directions and observes the synchrony of the eyes.

4. Eye-covering test: During this test, the doctor covers one eye and observes the movement of the other eye. Any change or movement when the eye is closed and opened can be a sign of strabismus.

5. Visual depth test: Tests are done to check if the eyes are focusing properly and if the depth perception is normal. These tests check how the patient sees three-dimensional objects.

6. Reflex test: The doctor uses a light source in front of the eyes to check how the light is reflected in the pupils. This test helps determine the type and degree of strabismus.

7. Examination of the fundus: Special drops are used to dilate the pupils and then the examination of the fundus is performed. This helps determine if there are any problems with the eye muscles or nerves.

8. Nervous system test: Functions of the nervous system. Various neurological tests can be performed to check the functions of the nervous system. This helps determine whether the cause of strabismus is related to the nervous system.

As a result of these tests, the doctor can determine the type, degree and cause of strabismus. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, strabismus and related vision problems can be prevented.

How is strabismus treated?

Strabismus is treated in a variety of ways, and the method of treatment varies depending on the cause, type, and degree of strabismus. Below are the main methods of treatment:

1. Glasses or contact lenses: Appropriate glasses or contact lenses are prescribed for strabismus caused by visual impairment. With these tools, the eyes can stay in the right direction because they need less focus.

2. Eye exercises: The doctor can prescribe various eye exercises to strengthen eye muscles and increase coordination. These exercises can make the eyes work in sync.

3. Eye patching: In children with amblyopia (eye weakness), eye patching is used to ensure that the strong eye is covered and the weak eye is used more. It helps to strengthen the weak eye.

4. Botox injections: In some cases, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections are made into the eye muscles. This temporarily weakens the muscle activity and helps the eyes to focus in the right direction. Treatment of strabismus with botox in Azerbaijan only by Surgeon Ophthalmologist Dr. It is performed completely painlessly by Gunel Khaliqverdiyeva.

5. Surgery: If other treatments fail or the strabismus is severe, surgery may be recommended to correct the eye muscles. During this operation, the doctor shortens or lengthens the eye muscles to ensure that the eyes are directed in the right direction.

6. Visual therapy: This is a program to improve the coordination and function of the eyes through special exercises and techniques. Vision therapy can be performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

7. Drug treatment: In some cases, when thyroid or other diseases are identified as the cause of strabismus, drugs can be prescribed to treat these diseases.

The decision on which treatment method to choose is made by the ophthalmologist according to the individual condition of the patient. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important to minimize the effects of strabismus and maintain eye health.