Strabismus is a condition in which the two eyes do not point at the same object — the visual axes are no longer parallel. One eye may turn inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward or downward, and the deviation can be constant or intermittent.
In childhood, early diagnosis is essential for normal visual development, for preventing amblyopia and for depth perception. In adults, double vision, abnormal head posture and the social impact of the condition are the main concerns.
Signs and symptoms
- An eye turning in, out, up or down
- Closing one eye in sunlight or bright light
- Tilting or turning the head to look at things
- Double vision (particularly in adults)
- Poor depth perception or clumsiness
- A turn that becomes more obvious when tired or unwell
Diagnosis
A detailed strabismus examination measures the angle of deviation with prisms and evaluates eye movements and binocular vision. A cycloplegic refraction — performed after dilating drops — reveals the true refractive error, and a fundus examination rules out other underlying causes.
Treatment options
- Glasses
- Some inward turns (accommodative esotropia) are partly or fully corrected with the right spectacles.
- Amblyopia treatment
- If a lazy eye is present, patching or drops are used before or alongside surgery.
- Prism glasses
- May be used for small deviations and for double vision in selected patients.
- Botulinum toxin
- An injection into an eye muscle is an option in selected cases such as acute acquired esotropia.
- Strabismus surgery
- Adjusting the position or tension of the eye muscles (recession, plication/strengthening, transposition) to realign the eyes.
Frequently asked questions
Will strabismus go away on its own?
Brief, intermittent misalignment can be normal in the first months of life, but any turn persisting beyond 3–4 months of age should be examined. True strabismus does not resolve spontaneously, and delayed treatment can lead to amblyopia.
Is there an age limit for strabismus surgery?
No. Strabismus surgery can be performed from infancy to old age. Timing depends on the type of strabismus, visual development and associated findings.
Can strabismus be treated in adults?
Yes. Realignment is possible in adults as well, aiming to relieve double vision, abnormal head posture and appearance-related concerns.
Before and after surgery: Before and after strabismus surgery
The information on this site is general and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or treatment.