Strabismus, also known as crossed or misaligned eyes, is a common condition that can occur at any age. Many people with strabismus may think there is little that can be done to correct the issue. However, thanks to recent advances in medical treatments and surgery, there are now effective ways to straighten a wandering eye.
In adults, strabismus can lead to chronic double vision and may cause a socially embarrassing wandering eye. Although some adults are fitted with prism glasses to help with misalignment, these glasses only correct the issue in certain directions and may not fully address double vision, making tasks like driving difficult or dangerous.With the right treatment, realigning the eyes can restore binocular vision, improving depth perception, which is essential for activities such as walking safely and driving. However, when strabismus develops in adults, it may indicate a serious neurological issue, such as a stroke, thyroid eye disease, myasthenia gravis, head injury, or a tumor, and should always be examined by an ophthalmologist.
While childhood strabismus is less likely to be indicative of a serious neurological problem, it is a common cause of vision loss from lazy eye (amblyopia). The visual system in the young child is not fully mature, and equal input from both eyes is required for proper visual development. If a child has strabismus, the brain sees two images and learns to ignore the image from the misaligned eye. This may result in permanent vision loss (amblyopia) in the misaligned eye. Early detection provides the best opportunity for effective, inexpensive treatment.
At Mudgil Eye Associates, PC, we specialize in treating both adult strabismus and pediatric strabismus. Dr. Mudgil is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained expert in Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus. He has received national recognition for his research and expertise in treating eye muscle disorders that cause double vision in children and adults. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to restoring proper eye alignment and preventing long-term vision problems. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Mudgil at Mudgil Eye Associates today.
