Strabismus
Understanding eye misalignment, causes, and effective treatments
What is Strabismus?
Strabismus is a condition characterized by misalignment of the eyes, where one or both eyes turn inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia). This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and may always affect the same eye or alternate between eyes. The condition results from problems with the extraocular muscles that control eye movement, the nerves that control these muscles, or the control center in the brain that coordinates eye movements. Strabismus affects approximately 2-4% of children and can also develop in adults.
Healthy Baseline
Optimal function
- Eyes that are perfectly aligned in all gazes
- Normal binocular vision and depth perception
- No double vision (diplopia)
- No eye strain or headaches from visual effort
- Normal eye movements in all directions
- Good visual acuity in both eyes
When Strabismus Occurs
Common presentations
- Variation from normal baseline
- Variation from normal baseline
- Variation from normal baseline
- Variation from normal baseline
- Variation from normal baseline
- Variation from normal baseline
What's Causing Your Strabismus
Identifying the underlying causes of strabismus allows us to target treatment effectively for lasting results.
Muscle Imbalance
Most Common - 50%+ of casesWeakness or overactivity of one or more extraocular muscles causes misalignment.
Neurological Control Issues
CommonProblems with cranial nerves (III, IV, VI) that control eye muscles.
Refractive Errors
Common - especially in childrenUncorrected farsightedness causes excessive focusing effort, leading to inward turning.
Genetic Factors
Significant in many casesInherited tendency for eye muscle or nerve abnormalities.
Prematurity
Increased riskPremature infants may have underdeveloped eye muscles or retinal vessels.
Thyroid Eye Disease
In adults with thyroid issuesImmune system attacks eye muscles, causing swelling and misalignment.
Trauma
VariableInjury to eye muscles, orbit, or brain can cause misalignment.
Stroke or Brain Injury
Common cause in adultsDamage to brain areas controlling eye movement.
How We Assess Causes
Our comprehensive evaluation combines detailed health history, advanced diagnostic testing, and constitutional assessment to identify the unique combination of factors contributing to your strabismus.
Important Note
The probabilities shown are based on clinical research and our patient population. Your individual case may have different contributing factors. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine your specific root causes.
Common Questions About Strabismus
Find answers to common questions about strabismus, treatment options, and what to expect
Still Have Questions?
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Location
Healers Clinic, St. 15, Al Wasl Road, Jumeira 2, Dubai
Hours
Open 7 Days: 9AM - 7PM