Strabismus (Crossed-eyes)
Strabismus is a vision condition in which your eyes are not properly aligned with each other. For a variety of reasons, one or both your eyes turn in, out, up, or down. Children under 6 are the ones most affected by strabismus. It is estimated that five percent of all children have some type or degree of strabismus. Although rare, strabismus sometimes begins in adulthood, but this is usually the result of a stroke, tumour, or other vascular disease.
Children with strabismus may initially have double vision. In an attempt to avoid double vision, the brain will eventually disregard the image from one eye. In time, the ignored eye will become unable to function normally and may result in the development of lazy eye (amblyopia).
Having your child’s eyes examined by an optometrist will determine if a strabismus is present. Treatment for strabismus can include eye glasses, prisms, vision therapy, and in some cases, surgery.