What Is Strabismus?
Strabismus occurs when the muscles controlling eye movement are not properly coordinated. As a result, one eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other eye focuses correctly.
This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and may affect one or both eyes.
Common Symptoms
- Eyes pointing in different directions
- Double vision (mainly in adults)
- Eye fatigue or headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Poor depth perception
- Squinting or closing one eye in bright light
In children, strabismus can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if not treated early, because the brain starts ignoring signals from the misaligned eye.
Types of Strabismus
Strabismus can appear in several forms, including:
Esotropia
One or both eyes turn inward.
Exotropia
One or both eyes turn outward.
Hypertropia
One eye turns upward.
Hypotropia
One eye turns downward.
Intermittent Strabismus
Misalignment appears only at certain times—fatigue, illness, or distance viewing.
What Causes Strabismus?
Strabismus can be caused by multiple factors, such as:
- Genetics (family history of strabismus)
- Uncorrected refractive errors (hyperopia, myopia)
- Weak or imbalanced eye muscles
- Neurological conditions
- Prematurity or low birth weight
- Trauma or eye injury
- Medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid eye disease
Diagnosis at Casablanca Eye Center
Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications.
Our experts perform a full strabismus evaluation, which may include:
- Visual acuity testing
- Eye alignment assessment
- Refraction tests
- Examination of eye muscles
- Amblyopia screening in children
Our goal is to identify the exact cause and type of misalignment to create the most effective treatment plan.
Treatment Options
The treatment depends on the type and severity of the strabismus:
1. Glasses or Contact Lenses
Correct refractive errors that may cause eye misalignment.
2. Vision Therapy / Orthoptic Exercises
Improves coordination between the eyes, especially in children.
3. Eye Patching
Used when amblyopia (lazy eye) is present to strengthen the weaker eye.
4. Prism Lenses
Helps align images and reduce double vision.
5. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections
Relaxes overactive eye muscles, often used in certain types of strabismus.
6. Strabismus Surgery
For significant misalignment, surgery adjusts the strength or position of eye muscles.
It is a safe and effective procedure that can dramatically improve eye alignment and appearance.
The Importance of Early Treatment
For children, early intervention is essential to prevent permanent visual impairment.
For adults, treatment can improve both vision and appearance, helping restore binocular vision and confidence.
Clearer Vision, Better Alignment — With Casablanca Eye Center
Strabismus is treatable at any age, especially with today’s advanced diagnostic tools and surgical techniques.
If you or your child shows signs of eye misalignment, contact Casablanca Eye Center for a complete evaluation and personalized treatment plan.