Aug 29 , 2023
SQUINTED EYES
SQUINTED EYES
Strabismus, also called squinted eyes, is a condition where the eyes appear crossed/misaligned, deviating
from the normal positions of gaze. This condition is usually found in children, but it can also happen in
adults.
In normal conditions, there are six eye muscles that control eye movement, working together to point both
eyes in the same direction. If you have strabismus, these muscles have issues controlling your eye
movement and cannot maintain a normal eye alignment.
Strabismus can be described in these ways;
- Esotropia- eye turns inwards.
- Exotropia- eye turns outwards.
- Hypertropia- eye turns upwards.
- Hypotropia- eye turns downwards.
- Prolonged poor vision in one eye.
- Down syndrome.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Hydrocephalus- accumulation of fluid in the brain.
- Brain tumors.
- Head injuries- can damage the area of the brain responsible for controlling eye movement.
- Stroke-the leading cause of strabismus in adults.
- Neurological problems.
- Graves' disease-overproduction of thyroid hormone.
- Tilting or turning your head.
- Double vision.
- Eye strain.
- Headaches.
- Difficulty reading.
- Closing one eye when looking at objects that are far, while reading up close or when you’re in
- bright light.
- Poor three-dimensional vision.
Most of the eye care professionals manage strabismus by treating the underline condition. For instance,
poor vision will be managed by issuing appropriate glasses to improve vision and possibly eliminating the
misalignment. For severe cases the eye doctor may suggest strabismus surgery for proper eye alignment.
Strabismus can cause low self-esteem from the embarrassment about how your eyes look.
In general, when you suspect your child has misaligned eyes, or your eyes are misaligned, make an
appointment with an eye care professional. You will be guided on the various successful treatment options
for strabismus. Furthermore, always contact a healthcare provider if you have an eye/head injury or notice
a sudden change in vision.