children s health issues
Strabismus
Introduction
Strabismus is an intermittent or constant misalignment of an eye so that its line of vision is not pointed at the same object as the other eye. If untreated, strabismus can cause Amblyopia (a decrease in vision) and permanent loss of vision. Treatment of strabismus includes correction of any refractive error, a patch or eye drops to treat amblyopia, and in some cases surgery. Strabismus is misalignment of the eyes. Causes include focusing (refractive) error and imbalance of muscles that control eye movement. Symptoms include double vision and loss of vision. The diagnosis is based on an eye examination. Strabismus sometimes resolves on its own, but in most cases eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery is needed. Strabismus occurs in about 3% of children. If left untreated, about 50% of children with strabismus have some vision loss due to Amblyopia . 