Strabismus: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment For Wandering Eyes

Strabismus, commonly referred to as crossed eyes or wandering eyes, is an eye condition in which one or both of the individual’s eyes are misaligned. This condition is particularly common among young children, often from birth. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, four percent of all children in the United States have some form of strabismus. While it is most common in children, this condition can also develop later in life. Some reports indicate there is a genetic component to strabismus as well, although many individuals with this condition have no relatives who also have it.

Start reading to learn about all the details on the different types of strabismus, what causes this condition, and how doctors go about treating it once they reach a diagnosis.

Types Of Strabismus

The types of strabismus are esotropia, where one or both eyes turn inward, exotropia, where one or both eyes turn outward, hypertropia, where the misaligned eye turns upwards, and hypotropia, where the misaligned eye turns downward. The turning might be consistent or come and go, and the affected eye(s) may also change depending on the case. Patients often hear the term lazy eye used to describe strabismus, but lazy eye is another condition called amblyopia, which is different from strabismus, though often occurs as a result of strabismus.

The most common types are esotropia and exotropia, particularly esotropia, which is why many individuals refer to strabismus as crossed eyes, the term used to indicate how the eyes appear when turned inward. Turning inward normally occurs when the infant or child is attempting to focus their eye or eyes at a distance, up close, or even both. Turning outward is most common when the individual is trying to focus at a distance, and often worsens when they are daydreaming or ill. Continue reading to discover the causes of strabismus.