Normally, our two eyes work together to provide a single, clear view of the world. This is known as binocular vision.
How We Manage Strabismus
However, in strabismus, the eyes are misaligned, and one or both eyes do not work together properly.
Strabismus can be caused by:
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Weak or imbalanced eye muscles
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Issues in how the brain controls the eye muscles
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Genetic factors or developmental delays
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Refractive errors (such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism)
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Vision problems in one eye
Signs and Symptoms of Strabismus Include
- One eye that turns in, out, up, or down
- Eye turn that appears when your child is tired, unwell, or daydreaming
- Frequent squinting, closing one eye, or tilting their head
- Complaints of double vision or blurred vision
- Difficulty with depth perception (e.g., catching a ball, judging steps)
- Eyes that do not move or focus together
- Eye rubbing, headaches, or signs of eye strain
- A drifting eye seen in photos or when looking far away
Common Types of Strabismus
- Esotropia (Eye turns inward)
Often noticed in young children. Can be constant or intermittent.
May cause double vision or lead to a “lazy eye” if untreated. - Exotropia (Eye turns outward)
Often happens when a child is tired or daydreaming.
Can cause eye strain, headaches, or trouble focusing. - Hypertropia / Hypotropia (Vertical eye turn)
One eye may drift up (hypertropia) or down (hypotropia).
Can cause head tilting or double vision. - Infantile Strabismus
Appears within the first 6 months of life.
Usually a large, noticeable eye turn inward. - Intermittent Strabismus
The eye turn comes and goes.
Children may rub their eyes, squint, or complain of tired eyes. - Accommodative Esotropia
Caused by uncorrected long-sightedness (hyperopia).
Often improves with glasses
What Happens to the Brain with Strabismus?
When strabismus occurs, the brain receives two conflicting images—one from each eye. To prevent double vision, the brain suppresses the image from the misaligned eye, favouring the image from the better-aligned eye. Over time, this suppression can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) in the affected eye, as the brain chooses not to use that eye for vision.
Why Should Parents Be Concerned?
If left untreated, strabismus can lead to permanent vision problems, including amblyopia (lazy eye) and impaired depth perception. Although surgery may straighten the eye structurally, it may not always address the underlying functional issue—how the brain processes visual input from the eyes.
Children with strabismus may struggle with depth perception and 3D vision, which can affect their ability to engage in activities like sports, driving, or understanding spatial relationships.
If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or suspect they may have Strabismus, don’t wait – schedule a comprehensive eye exam with us.
Our caring optometrists are dedicated to providing personalised care, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care, all in a warm and friendly environment.
Book an appointment today and take the first step towards better vision and long-term eye health for your child!