Strabismus

Symptoms

You can sometimes see that a child has strabismus just by looking at his or her eyes. The most common visible signs are:

• Eyes that do not look in the same direction at the same time.
• Eyes that do not move together. (The direction that the affected eye moves depends on the type of strabismus the child has.)
• Squinting or closing one eye in bright sunlight.
• Tilting or turning the head to look at an object.
• Bumping into things (strabismus limits depth perception).

The child may also complain about:

• Blurred vision.
• Tired eyes.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Double vision (usually only when strabismus first develops).

If your child's eyes are only slightly misaligned, you may not be able to see that he or she has strabismus. Symptoms may come and go, and they may get worse when your child is tired or sick. If your child's eyes are not aligned all of the time after age 4 months, take your child to the doctor for an eye exam. This exam should be done sooner if you notice an obvious problem or if it is recommended by your doctor or another health professional. Your health professional may refer you to an ophthalmologist.

Even if you do not notice a problem, most doctors recommend eye exams for children before they start school.

A person who develops strabismus after age 7 to 10 years usually has double vision. If double vision develops and does not go away, an eye exam is needed. The doctor will also need to make sure that there is not a serious illness. Double vision that develops suddenly is a medical emergency.

Adults may experience sudden double vision as a result of multiple sclerosis (MS), a stroke, high blood pressure, or diabetes. If you experience double vision along with one of these conditions, see your doctor. You may need more urgent treatment.

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Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated: April 16, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Ian MacDonald, MDCM, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
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