Is Strabismus a Serious Condition? What You Need To Know Eye Care March 8, 2024

Is Strabismus a Serious Condition? What You Need To Know

In today’s day and age, where screens are an integral part of our daily lives, it is not surprising that many people experience eye strain, a condition characterized by discomfort or fatigue in and around the eyes. It often occurs after prolonged activities involving staring at digital screens, reading, or performing tasks requiring intense visual focus.

Our expert and dedicated team at Eyeonce Eye Clinic is committed to providing effective solutions for individuals with eye strain. Our ophthalmologists, Dr. Paik Dong Won and Dr. Jung Sae Rom provide specialized services to address and alleviate this bothersome eye condition.

About Us

Types of Strabismus

Several forms of strabismus can be categorized based on the direction of the eye misalignment:

Esotropia

This is a specific type of strabismus where one or both eyes turn inward. Esotropia is characterized by the affected eye(s) deviating toward the nose and can be constant or intermittent. This eye misalignment condition can occur in both children and adults.

Exotropia

Exotropia is another specific type of strabismus characterized by one or both eyes turning outward, deviating away from the nose. This eye condition can be constant or intermittent; its severity may range from mild to pronounced. 

Hypertropia

This type of strabismus can be characterized by the upward deviation of one eye when the other is in its primary position, looking straight ahead. This eye misalignment can be present at birth or acquired later in life. Hypertropia can be classified as unilateral, affecting only one eye, or bilateral, affecting both eyes.

Hypotropia

This strabismus is categorized by the downward deviation of one eye when the other eye remains in its primary position. Hypotropia can lead to diplopia or double vision, as the misaligned eye may not be adequately aligned with the visual axis of the other eye.

Symptoms and Causes

Strabismus is primarily caused by the following factors:

  • Problems with eye muscles
  • The nerves that transmit information to the muscles
  • The control center in the brain that directs eye movements

Some of its symptoms include:

  • Misalignment of one or both eyes
  • Double vision
  • Squinting or closing one eye to improve vision
  • Head tilting to compensate for misalignment
  • Poor depth perception
  • Eyestrain and fatigue
  • Frequent blinking, especially in bright lights
  • Difficulty reading
  • Closing or covering one eye when looking at something nearby

Some of the risk factors that can be attributed to strabismus are the following:

  • Muscle imbalance – Weak and imbalanced eye muscles can cause the eyes to deviate from their normal alignment.
  • Neurological conditions – Some neurological disorders directly affect the eye’s muscles’ coordination.
  • Family history – Crossed eyes can be hereditary, and people having a family history of the condition may have a higher risk of acquiring it.
  • Refractive errors – Uncorrected myopia and hyperopia can contribute to strabismus.
  • Head and eye injuries – Any trauma sustained by the eyes or head can directly damage the areas surrounding the eye and the area of your brain responsible for controlling eye movement.
  • Down Syndrome – At least 20% to 60% of people with Down syndrome also have strabismus.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, visit Eyeonce Eye Clinic to have your condition assessed by our ophthalmologists. Dr. Paik Dong Won and Dr. Jung Sae Rom will create a comprehensive evaluation and customized treatment plan that suits your needs. With their appropriate care and dedication, you will surely achieve the better eye alignment and improved vision you deserve!

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing strabismus effectively. At Eyeonce Eye Clinic, our eye care professionals will thoroughly diagnose your condition, which includes:

  • Comprehensive eye examination – It is a thorough assessment of eye health, visual acuity, and muscle function.
  • Cover test – This test is done to observe eye alignment while covering one eye simultaneously.
  • Refraction test – This test is highly advised to determine the presence of refractive errors.
  • Pupil reaction test – It is carried out to check for any abnormal pupil responses.

These tests are done with the aid of Eyeonce’s advanced and premium equipment, such as a Corneal CT Camera and AB-SCAN (Ultrasound). On the other hand, our clinic also offers various treatment options for strabismus that are tailored to your specific situation, such as:

  • Eyeglasses and contact lenses – These corrective lenses can help your eyes remain straight as they will only need less effort to focus.
  • Prism lenses – These special lenses help bend the light that enters to correct double vision.
  • Vision therapy – It is specialized orthoptics (eye exercises) to improve eye coordination.
  • Eye muscle surgery – Strabismus surgery can help change the length or position of eye muscles, making your eyes align properly. 
  • Medications – Certain medications are suggested like injections of botulinum toxin type A can weaken an overactive eye muscle. 

Strabismus treatment aims to correct eye alignment and improve vision. To learn more about these treatment options, book a consultation with Eyeonce Eye Clinic for better guidance and assessment of your condition.

Why choose Eyeonce Eye Clinic Gangnam for strabismus treatment?

Utmost Patient Care

Our eye care professionals and staff ensure to give you your money’s worth. We guarantee you receive the best medication possible and assure you that you are guided and understood, making you feel comfortable and confident at every step. 

Comprehensive Consultation

Eyeonce Eye Clinic offers comprehensive eye examinations to evaluate your condition and determine the best eye strain treatment. Our ophthalmologists take their time to cater to your questions and address your concerns, ensuring you make an informed decision about our vision correction options.

Expert Eye Doctors

Our ophthalmologists, Head Director Dr. Paik Dong Won and Medical Director Dr. Jung Sae Rom, are highly knowledgeable and adept in treating eye strain. They always use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. People with this condition must have prompt medication as it can lead to vision problems and affect the quality of life if left untreated.

In some rare cases, strabismus may appear after treatment due to various factors. Regular follow-up checkups with an eye care professional are essential to monitor your condition.

While early treatment is essential in treating crossed eyes, there is always time to seek help. Vision therapy and other interventions can still be effective in older children and adults.

Conclusion

Strabismus or crossed eyes is a vision condition that requires immediate attention and appropriate intervention. Our eye care professionals at Eyeonce Eye Clinic firmly believe that early detection and treatment are beneficial for successful outcomes and to prevent further complications. Book an appointment with us today and experience eye care service like no other!