Strabismus

Strabismus is a visual defect in which the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward or downward. About 4 percent of all children in the United States have strabismus. It can also occur later in life. Strabismus can be diagnosed during a routine eye exam. It is recommended that all children have their vision checked at or before their fourth birthday, or earlier if there is a family history of strabismus or amblyopia (“lazy eye”). Treatments for strabismus vary. In some cases, eyeglasses can be prescribed. Other treatments may involve surgery to correct the unbalanced eye muscles or to remove a cataract. Covering or patching the strong eye to improve amblyopia is often necessary.