Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) Treatment in Chicago, IL
Strabismus — commonly known as crossed eyes or wall eyes — is a condition in which the eyes do not align properly, causing them to point in different directions. It affects both children and adults and, when left untreated, can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) and permanent vision impairment. At Ideal Family Eye Care, our experienced optometrists diagnose and manage strabismus as part of our comprehensive pediatric vision care and adult eye health services.
request an appointmentWhat Is Strabismus?
Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes caused by weakness or imbalance in the muscles that control eye movement. Normally, both eyes work together as a team, pointing in the same direction and sending the brain two slightly different images that it combines into a single, three-dimensional picture. In strabismus, the eyes point in different directions — one may turn inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia) — preventing the brain from merging the two images correctly. This can result in double vision in adults, or — in children — the brain may learn to suppress the image from the misaligned eye, leading to amblyopia.
Causes of Strabismus
Strabismus can develop from a number of causes including ocular diseases, eye muscle or nerve disorders, central nervous system conditions, genetic factors, and eye injuries. In children, it is sometimes caused by an uncorrected refractive error such as significant farsightedness, which causes the eyes to over-converge when focusing. Strabismus can also develop in adults following a stroke, head injury, or neurological disease. People with strabismus may experience difficulty with activities requiring good depth perception, such as driving, playing sports, or operating machinery.
Symptoms of Strabismus
Symptoms include visibly crossed or misaligned eyes, double vision (more common in adults), eyes that do not move together in a coordinated fashion, poor depth perception, tilting or turning the head to compensate for the misalignment, and vision or depth perception loss in the affected eye. A comprehensive eye exam at Ideal Family Eye Care that includes a thorough assessment of eye alignment and muscle function is the best way to diagnose strabismus accurately.
Strabismus Treatment at Ideal Family Eye Care
Treatment at Ideal Family Eye Care begins with correcting any underlying refractive errors with prescription glasses or contact lenses — in some cases, this alone resolves the strabismus. If amblyopia is present, patching therapy is used to strengthen the weaker eye before realignment treatment begins. Prismatic lenses may be incorporated to shift the visual image and reduce double vision. For cases that do not resolve with optical treatment, referral for strabismus surgery — a procedure that adjusts the tension of the eye muscles to realign the eyes — is arranged by our team. Surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 to schedule your strabismus evaluation in Chicago, IL today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strabismus
What is strabismus and what causes it?
Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes caused by weakness or imbalance in the eye muscles or their nerve control. It can be caused by ocular disease, neurological conditions, genetic factors, eye injury, or uncorrected refractive errors. It affects both children and adults.
Can strabismus lead to other vision problems?
Yes. In children, untreated strabismus frequently leads to amblyopia (lazy eye), as the brain learns to suppress the visual input from the misaligned eye to avoid double vision. Treating strabismus early is essential to prevent permanent vision impairment in the affected eye.
How is strabismus diagnosed?
Strabismus is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam at Ideal Family Eye Care that includes visual acuity testing, a cover/uncover test to assess eye alignment, assessment of eye muscle movement, retinal examination, and evaluation of the nervous system if indicated.
Can strabismus be corrected with glasses?
In some cases, yes. Strabismus caused by uncorrected farsightedness may be resolved or significantly reduced by wearing the correct prescription glasses. Prismatic lenses can also help reduce double vision in some patients. Your provider at Ideal Family Eye Care will determine whether glasses alone are sufficient or whether additional treatment is needed.
Is surgery always required for strabismus?
Not always. Many cases of strabismus can be managed effectively with prescription glasses, patching therapy for associated amblyopia, and prismatic lenses. Surgery is recommended for cases that do not respond adequately to non-surgical treatment. When surgery is needed, Ideal Family Eye Care provides a referral to a trusted specialist and manages all pre- and post-operative care.
Can adults develop strabismus?
Yes. Although strabismus is most often diagnosed in childhood, adults can develop it following a stroke, head injury, neurological disease, or other systemic conditions. Adult-onset strabismus typically causes double vision and requires prompt evaluation. Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 if you experience sudden double vision or eye misalignment.
How do I schedule a strabismus evaluation at Ideal Family Eye Care?
Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 or use our online booking tool to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and strabismus evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best outcomes for both children and adults.