Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, is a condition that can emerge in adulthood, affecting individuals with eyes that do not properly align with each other. This misalignment can lead to double vision, impaired depth perception, and, in some cases, social or psychological impacts due to the appearance of the eyes.
Understanding adult strabismus, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for those experiencing this condition and for their overall eye health and quality of life.
What is Adult Strabismus?
Adult strabismus occurs when the eyes are not aligned correctly, causing one eye to turn in, out, up, or down, while the other eye focuses on a single point. This condition can affect vision significantly, as both eyes must aim at the same spot for proper vision. The misalignment can shift from one eye to the other and may be constant or intermittent
Strabismus in adults can manifest in several common forms:
Esotropia
Esotropia is a type of strabismus where one or both eyes turn inward. It is often referred to as “cross-eyed” and can be noticeable when the individual is focusing on an object or when they are fatigued. Esotropia can cause the brain to receive two different images, leading to double vision or the suppression of the image from the misaligned eye to avoid confusion.
Exotropia
Exotropia occurs when one or both eyes drift outward away from the nose. This type of strabismus is sometimes apparent when the individual is daydreaming, tired, or focusing on distant objects. Exotropia can disrupt binocular vision and depth perception, making tasks like driving or playing sports challenging.
Hypertropia
Hypertropia is characterized by one eye moving upward, out of alignment with the other eye. This vertical misalignment can result in double vision, with one image appearing higher than the other.
Hypotropia
Conversely, hypotropia involves one eye moving downward. Similar to hypertropia, this vertical misalignment can cause double vision, with one image appearing lower.
Causes of Adult Strabismus
The causes of adult strabismus are varied and can include accidents or head injury, previous unresolved childhood strabismus, damage to eye muscles during an eye surgery, or health conditions such as diabetes, Graves’ disease, stroke, or traumatic brain injury.
How Strabismus Affects Vision
Strabismus affects vision by preventing the eyes from focusing together on the same point. This misalignment leads to double vision (diplopia), where two images of a single object are seen. It can also impair depth perception, making it difficult to judge the distance of objects, and may lead to the suppression of vision in one eye to avoid double vision, potentially resulting in “lazy eye” or amblyopia.
Symptoms of Adult Strabismus
The most obvious symptom of adult strabismus is the visible misalignment of the eyes. Other symptoms may include double vision, blurred vision, and weakness in or around the eye. Some individuals may also experience a pulling sensation around the eyes or find themselves closing one eye to see clearly.
Treatment Options
Treatment for adult strabismus may include prism glasses, botox, eye exercises, or surgery. The goal of treatment is to improve eye alignment, enhance vision, and, in some cases, improve the appearance of the eyes.
Eye muscle surgery is a common and effective treatment, involving the adjustment of muscles around the eyes to correct alignment. More than one surgery may be needed, and the success rate is generally high.
The Importance of Consulting Your Ophthalmologist
If you suspect you have adult strabismus, it’s essential to consult an eye doctor for a comprehensive evaluation. An accurate diagnosis can determine the severity of the condition and the best course of treatment. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and improve both vision and quality of life.
