Strabismus

Two eyes do not align properly.

• Eyes can be misaligned horizontally, vertically or a combination of both.
• The “eye turn” may be present constantly or periodically.
• Usually occurs at birth (congenital) or in the first few years of life.
• Can be associated with diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

A sudden onset of an eye turn is always something that requires urgent attention. In very young children, it can lead to permanently reduced vision in one eye and in both adults and children, it can be a symptom of other serious disease.

Treatment options: eyeglasses, contact lenses, surgery, patching and other therapies. The optometrist will often arrange for a referral to an ophthalmologist or a family doctor.