Strabismus (Eye Misalignment): Symptoms & Causes

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus is an eye condition commonly known as crossed eyes, cross eyes, or squint. In this condition, there is a misalignment of the eyes, which means that the two eyes are not lined up and point in different directions when an individual with this condition is looking or focusing on an object. In this condition, one eye may look at the object while the other eye may be looking upwards, downwards, inwards, or outwards. Strabismus can be present as a constant condition, or it may be intermittent strabismus that is not always present. It may affect one eye or both eyes. When strabismus is left untreated, it can lead to complications and vision problems. An eye specialist can treat strabismus; Skedoc will help you find the best ophthalmologists and the best eye hospital near you.

What are the Types of Strabismus?

The different strabismus types that are seen by squint eye specialists near you are based on the direction of movement of the affected eye and include

1. Esotropia: In this convergent strabismus type, one or both eyes turn inwards towards the nose. This is the condition that is often called "crossed eyes."
2. Exotropia: In this type of strabismus, one or both eyes turn outward and away from the nose. It is called "wall-eyed" or "walleye."
3. Hypertropia: In this strabismus type, one eye turns upwards while the other remains in normal alignment with the object.
4. Hypotropia: In this strabismus type, one eye turns downwards while the other remains normally aligned.
5. Alternating strabismus or Alternating Squint: In this type of strabismus, the misalignment of the eyes switches between the two eyes such that one eye turns inward sometimes. In contrast, the other eye turns inward at different times.
6. Monocular strabismus: Only one eye is affected, and the other remains appropriately aligned.

Other types of strabismus that are seen include

1. Congenital/Infantile strabismus: This type is present from birth or develops in infancy. It includes conditions like congenital esotropia and congenital exotropia.
2. Paralytic Strabismus or Paretic Strabismus: This type of strabismus develops due to paralysis or weakness of the eye muscles responsible for eye movements. It can occur due to trauma, neurological disorders, or cranial nerve paralysis.
3. Concomitant Strabismus: It is also known as non-paralytic strabismus, and in this condition, the angle of deviation between the eyes remains constant irrespective of whether the person is looking at near or far objects or in different directions.

What are the Causes of Strabismus?

Squint eye specialists near you explain that strabismus causes can be diverse and may involve a combination of various factors. Some common causes of strabismus include

1. Genetics: As strabismus is seen to run in families, a genetic component may be involved. If a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has strabismus, there is an increased risk of developing the condition.
2. Eye muscle imbalance: Strabismus can occur if the muscles on one side of an eye are weaker or stronger than the opposing muscles on the other.
3. Nerve problems: Strabismus can be caused by conditions such as nerve paralysis or neurological disorders that disrupt the normal functioning of the muscles.
4. Refractive errors: Uncorrected eye problems such as near-sightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia) can lead to the development of strabismus. To compensate for vision inaccuracy, the eyes misalign, leading to squints.
5. Eye injuries or trauma: muscle or nerve damage secondary to trauma or injuries to the eye or head can lead to strabismus.
6. Eye conditions and diseases, such as cataracts, retinopathy, or eye tumors, can cause problems with eye alignment and lead to strabismus.
7. Developmental factors: developmental issues concerning the vision system during infancy and early childhood can lead to strabismus.

What are the Symptoms of Strabismus?

The main symptom of strabismus is the misalignment of the eyes, with one eye pointing upwards, downwards, inwards, or outwards while the other eye is aligned correctly on the object. Other strabismus symptoms that may be present include

1. Diplopia or Double vision: the individual may see two images of a single object. As the misaligned eyes receive different visual inputs, the brain perceives two images of the same object. You can book a doctor's appointment online with the best ophthalmologists near you using Skedoc.
2. Eye discomfort: Some individuals with a squint eye problem may experience eye discomfort such as aches, strain, and a feeling of heaviness in the eyes.
3. Eye fatigue can develop due to the additional effort required to keep the eyes aligned and maintain proper vision.
4. Lazy Eye or Amblyopia: squint amblyopia can develop in some individuals. This happens because the visual input from one eye is suppressed by the brain to avoid confusion. As a result, the affected eye has reduced vision or poor visual acuity.
5. Turning or Tilting of the Head: Individuals with squints may tilt or turn their heads in specific directions to achieve better alignment and reduce the problem of double vision.
6. Problems with depth perception: judging distances and perception of 3D objects are affected in individuals with a squint.