Crossed Eyes Can Be Corrected

Archives Admin · #1 (**permalink**) 11-12-2004, 05:21 PM

The Monitor(Kampala)

October 26, 2004
Posted to the web October 26, 2004

Sarah Namatovu
Kampala

An estimated 5 percent of children have some type or degree of strabismus, more commonly known as crossed-eyes, which may or may not continue into adulthood.
"Crossed-eyes are a visual condition in which a person cannot align both eyes at the same time," explain Drs Joseph H. Calhoun and John W. Simon, also co-authors of Dictionary of Eye Terminology and Eye Care Notes.

One or both eyes may turn in, out, up or down and the turns may be constant or occasional (such as under stressful situations or when ill.)

It is normal for newborns' eyes to cross or wander especially if they are tired, irritated or bored.

But this should be within the first three months of life.

"This early tendency occurs because development of vision and mastering binocularity or use of both eyes simultaneously is still going on," says Dr. Jeffrey Cooper, an ophthalmologist and expert on strabismus.

However, any crossing or misalignment of the eyes after that age may signify a serious problem.

How do you tell that your child's eyes are crossed?

Children with normal vision use both eyes to look in the same direction at the same time.

Deviation from that could mean that the eyes are crossed.

Also, if your child often looks at you with one eye closed and/or squints when looking at you or other things, crossed eyes could be the reason.

Regular eye check ups and eye screening remain the best way to tell whether your child is a victim, and for this, the American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive eye examination before six months and again at age three.

"Early detection is the key to successful cross correction because it allows timely treatment which is usually effective," reveals the association's journal.

Children do not have to be unable to read or see clearly before having their eyes examined so schedule one now.

What causes cross-eyes?

- The condition may stem from the brain's inability to control eye alignment and muscle movement. In this case, the brain sends abnormal coordination and nerve input to the muscles that move the eyes, causing cross-eyes.

- Visual problems such as extreme far or nearsightedness, cataracts or any other eye problem which makes the child strain or squint in order to focus can lead to the development of strabismus.

- In some adults, crossed eyes could be a result of trauma or systemic diseases, such as accidents, strokes, thyroid and neurotic disorders.

- It could also be a genetic predisposition.

"A history of cross-eyes running in the family increases chances of occurrence," says Dr. Cooper.

- Premature and low birth weight babies, or those who experience birth trauma and other neonatal problems are at increased risk.

Why is strabismus a problem?

Good eyesight needs a clear, focused image that is the same in both eyes.

But when a child has crossed or wandering eyes, his or her vision pathways won't develop right and may cause both blurred or complete vision loss and double vision (where both eyes see different images).

In an effort to guard against this, the victim's brain suppresses, blocks or ignores images from the weaker eye, a condition referred to as amblyopia in medical terms.

What can be done to correct the problem?

There is a common misconception that a child will outgrow crossed-eyes.

Doctors say that this is not true as the condition may worsen without treatment.

Amblyopia for instance is a result of untreated crossing and is correctable only up to the ages of seven and eight years.

Treatment should begin as soon as the complication is diagnosed.

"The earlier you start, the more likely normal vision will be restored since strabismus responds extremely well to timely treatment."

The following will help.

- Amblyopia can be treated by eye-patching (making the child wear a patch over the good eye).

The purpose is to make the weak eye as strong and useful as the good one.

Covering the eye that sees best will force the brain and the victim to use the weak one to see.

Continue patching until the eye looks good.

- In adult cases, it is important to screen for and treat any underlying cause of strabismus such as thyroid and neurotic disorders.

- Visual therapy, supervised by an ophthalmologist will help restore proper alignment by teaching your two eyes to work together and is also necessary to improve muscle coordination.

- Strabismus in far or nearsighted people can be corrected by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.

"glasses eliminate the need to strain or squint to focus and re-establish visual acuity."

- Surgery may be required in instances where patching, glasses, visual therapy and other procedures have failed to correct the crossing.

It (surgery) will improve visual coordination and strengthen eye muscles.

- Orthoptic exercises are also recommended in addition to other treatments.

These too will help strengthen eye muscles and causeP the opposing eye muscles to relax and assume normal alignment.

Your doctor will specify the appropriate exercises.

A treatment program may be difficult for both child and adult victims but good vision for a lifetime is worth it and is something we all should aim at.

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Crossed Eyes Can Be Corrected

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