Strabismus

Strabismus is a condition where your eyes don’t look toward the same object together. One eye moves normally, while the other points in (esotropia or “crossed eyes”), out (exotropia), up (hypertropia) or down (hypotropia).

Strabismus may be caused by unequal pulling of muscles on one side of the eye or paralysis of the eye muscles. Newborns often appear to have crossed eyes due to a lack of developed vision, but this disappears as the infant grows. True strabismus does not disappear as the child grows.

Treatment for strabismus can range from vision therapy, including patching or visual exercises, glasses with the correct prescription or bifocal or prism correction to help proper focusing, eyedrops to help focus or surgery. A visit with your Park Nicollet Eye Care professional can find the solution that best suits your needs.