Eye Care > Common Eye Conditions > Accommodative Esotropia

Accommodative esotropia

Esotropia, also known as “crossed eyes,” is a condition where one or both eyes turn inward toward the nose. One common form of esotropia occurring in childhood is accommodative esotropia.

Accommodative esotropia can develop in children who are significantly farsighted. Farsighted children put a lot of effort into focusing to see clearly. When these children focus their eyes, they trigger an excessive reflex resulting in eye crossing. This condition generally first appears between 18 months and 3 years of age and may be noticeable all or only some of the time.

Children with accommodative esotropia also have a significant risk for amblyopia, which is loss of vision in the crossed eye. If amblyopia is present, treatment reduces the chance of permanent vision loss and improves the child’s chance of using the eyes together.

Treatment for accommodative esotropia is done with eyeglasses that correct the child’s farsightedness. The glasses relieve the excessive focusing effort required for clear vision. When this effort is relieved, the eye crossing is reduced or eliminated. Children with esotropia must wear their eyeglasses at all times, or the eye crossing may not be corrected and the potential to use the eyes together may be diminished.

Your Park Nicollet Eye Care professional can help determine what treatment is correct for your condition. Call 952-993-3150 for appointments.