Eye Misalignment: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Everyone’s eyes should sync up perfectly in a perfect world. Unfortunately, many people struggle with an eye condition called eye misalignment. This visual disorder can affect people of all ages.

Eye Alignment Issues

The term "strabismus" describes eye misalignment. Eye care professionals divide strabismus into four main categories. It depends on the direction of the misalignment.

 

• Hypotropia – Downward deviation of the eye.
   

• Hypertropia – Upward deviation.
   

• Esotropia – Inward deviation.
   

• Exotropia – Outward deviation.

Other rare forms of strabismus exist as well. One is paralytic strabismus caused by a weak cranial nerve. Another is a particular strabismus pattern like Brown or Duane syndrome.

Reasons for Eye Alignment Issues

Eye misalignment can stem from various conditions. These include eye injuries or diseases, brain disorders, congenital disabilities, or abnormal neuromuscular control. Experts are yet to fully understand this neuromuscular issue’s underlying causes.

Other Possible Causes of Misaligned Eyes

• Trauma to the eye or brain.
   

• Down syndrome.
   

• Thyroid eye disorders.
   

• Severe refractive error.
   

• Stroke or other vascular issues.
   

• Vision loss from any eye disease or injury.
   

The primary risk factor for strabismus is a family history of the condition.

Eye Misalignment Symptoms

Some symptoms of strabismus include eyes that look in different directions and double vision. Other symptoms include crossed eyes, trouble with depth perception, eyes that do not move together, and vision loss. It is crucial to remember that some symptoms of this condition do not always manifest. Furthermore, kids may not be aware of their double vision.

Identifying Eye Alignment Issues

It is possible to prevent this condition from impairing your vision with early detection and treatment. A comprehensive eye exam can aid in the evaluation. This exam can include several tests. These include a vision test, cycloplegic refraction test, sensory-motor test, slit-lamp exam, and fundus examination. It is best to consult a pediatric eye doctor if your little one’s eyes are moving around or unable to focus on objects.

The Relationship Between Binocular Vision Dysfunction and Eye Alignment

Another condition brought on by eye misalignment is binocular vision dysfunction (BVD). That said, the misalignment is typically too subtle to detect visually. The eyes and brain automatically work harder to create a single image in response to the misalignment and the two images seen in different planes. That strains the visual system, causing BVD symptoms.

Treatments

Many medical professionals agree that surgery is the only cure for strabismus. However, some clinical studies suggest that non-surgical treatments like orthoptics and vision therapy are efficient.

While vision therapy concentrates on the neurological aspects of the condition, orthoptics focuses on strengthening the eye muscles. These treatments can take place in an optometrist’s office or clinic. Some eye doctors also offer guidance on how to carry out vision therapy at home. In most cases, patients can try non-surgical methods first or move straight to surgical treatments.

Postoperative Vision Therapy

Your eye doctor will tell you what to expect during and after eye surgery before the procedure. It would help to understand that brain functions and eye muscles cause strabismus.

Conclusion

Although strabismus is treatable at any age, starting treatment as soon as possible is best. Permanent visual impairment is avoidable with early strabismus diagnosis and treatment.

For more on eye misalignment, visit Paradise Canyon Eye Care at our St. George, Utah, office. Call (435) 334-2331 to schedule an appointment today.

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