Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) In Child: Causes, Risks & Treatment

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Strabismus, also known as squint or crossed eye, occurs when the eyes are not aligned well and point in different directions while focusing on an object. It is a common eye condition in children and is known to affect two to four percent of the population (1).

Strabismus can be intermittent in some children and constant in others. It is recommended to seek medical care if you suspect strabismus or other vision problems in your child.

Read this post to know about the causes, risk factors, types, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for strabismus in children.

Causes Of Squint In Children

Some children are born with a squint or have a positive family history, while others may develop it later in life while the eye attempts to overcome vision problems. Squint commonly develops in children between the ages of 18 months and four years due to various reasons (2).

Some common causes of squint may include (2)

• Short-sightedness (myopia) or difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.

• Long-sightedness (hypermetropia) or difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly.

• Astigmatism, an abnormally curved eye that causes blurred vision.

Some rare causes of strabismus in children may include (2)(3)

• Symptom of retinoblastoma, a childhood eye cancer

• Eye muscle problems such as Brown’s syndrome, where an eye does not move upwards, and Duan retraction syndrome, where both eyes do not turn to the sides well.

You may consult a pediatric ophthalmologist to know the exact cause of strabismus in your child. Early interventions can prevent vision impairment and other complications in many children.

Risk Factors For Cross Eyes

The following factors may increase the risk for strabismus in children(4).

• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

• Genetic factors and family history of strabismus

• Anisometropia (unequal refractive power in the two eyes)

• Hyperopia (farsightedness)

• Maternal smoking during pregnancy

Although many risk factors are not modifiable, high-risk factors such as maternal smoking during pregnancy can be modified.

Types Of Strabismus

Strabismus can be classified into three categories depending on the direction of the eye misalignment (5).

• Infantile esotropia: This refers to an inward (towards the nose) turning of one or both eyes seen in babies and young children

• Exotropia: It is the outward (away from nose) turning of eyes while looking at far objects. This may also occur when the child is tired or sick.

• Accommodative esotropia: This is when one eye turns inward towards the nose while focusing on distant or close objects. This is the most common type of strabismus seen in children older than two years.

Signs Of Crossed Eyes In Children

The signs and symptoms of strabismus can come and go and often worsens when a child is ill or tired. Visit a pediatric ophthalmologist (eye specialist) if your child has any signs of strabismus.

The common signs of strabismus in children may include (6)

• Eyes that do not point in one direction at the same time. Mild misaligned eyes may go unnoticed.

• Closing or squinting one eye often in bright sunlight.

• Eyes that do not move together.

• Bumping into things due to limited depth perception.

• Turning or tilting the head to look at an object that is visible with moving eyes.

Older children with strabismus may suffer from the following symptoms.

• Photosensitivity (sensitivity to light)

In a few cases, a wide nose bridge or a fold of skin at the inner eyelid can make the eyes look crossed. You may consider this factor while looking for signs of strabismus in children.

Complications Of Crossed Eyes

The possible complications of strabismus may include (1)

• Lazy eye (amblyopia). It refers to the lack of vision development in one or both eyes. If left untreated, lazy eyes may result in vision loss.

• Double vision (diplopia). This is commonly seen in older children with acquired strabismus (strabismus occurred in later life).

• Poor self-esteem. The appearance of the eyes may cause socializing problems and poor self-esteem in older

Early diagnosis and treatment of strabismus can prevent vision problems and blindness in children.

Diagnosis Of Strabismus

Diagnosis of strabismus can be made via eye examinations. Periodical eye examinations are recommended during infancy and between the ages of three and five years to measure vision and diagnose strabismus and other ophthalmic conditions.

In young children, doctors may shine the light into the eye to look for light reflexes and observe their eye movements. Older children are examined by asking them to read letters by covering one eye and with lenses.

Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are often ordered to determine any underlying causes such as neurological conditions. Genetic testing may also be done by analyzing blood to identify genetic disorders that cause vision problems (5)(7)(8).

Treatment For Strabismus In Children

The following treatment options for strabismus may help improve eye alignment and coordination. Doctors may recommend orthoptics treatments (non-surgical treatments) for most children with mild misalignments. These may include the following (7)(8).

1. Eyeglasses and contact lenses may be the only treatment required in some

2. Prism lenses are thicker on one side than the other. This may alter the light entering the eyes and help reduce eye turning to view objects.

3. Vision therapy includes structured visual activities that help the eyes and brain to work together. This is usually done under the supervision of an optometrist.

4. Eye muscle surgery helps change the position or length of muscles around the eyes to give them a straight appearance. After an eye muscle surgery, some children may require vision therapy to improve eye-brain connection and prevent the recurrence of eye misalignment.

5. A temporary eye patch is often placed over the stronger eye if one eye has amblyopia (lazy eye).

6. Atropine eye drops are also prescribed for chemical ocular (eye) patching in some children with strabismus. This causes temporary blurred vision in the unaffected eyes and enhances the alignment of deviated eyes.

7. Other medications such as botox (botulinum toxin type A) injections are also given to weaken the overactive eye muscles. This is often done with or instead of other treatments.

Interventions at an early age are shown to improve vision and prevent complications associated with strabismus in children

Although strabismus cannot be prevented, early detection and treatment can help prevent complications. Ensure you test your child’s eye health before six months and again between three to five years of age. Do not assume the child will outgrow it, as children may develop permanent vision loss if lazy eye develops and is not treated on time.

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