Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes, is a visual development disorder that starts in childhood but can also affect adults. When the eyes do not work together to focus on an image, one eye may take on the dominant vision role, leading to amblyopia or lazy eye. This can be a constant or intermittent condition and it can affect one or both eyes.
Dr. Emily Shortridge is our fellowship-trained Pediatric Ophthalmologist who treats crossed eyed in Phoenix for both children and adults.
Symptoms of Crossed Eyes
- One eye drifts in a different position (out, in, up or down)
- Double vision
- Clear vision in one only eye
- Poor depth perception
- Lazy eye
- Headaches
- Eye strain
- Eye fatigue
Causes of Crossed Eyes
The cause of strabismus in children can be due to:
- Poor eye muscle control
- Problems with the nerves that transmit information
- Genetics
- Significant farsightedness
- Medical conditions such as Down syndrome
Adults can also develop this condition from:
- Stroke
- Head or eye injury
- Diabetes
- Eye disease
- Other health issues
Treatment for Crossed Eyes in Phoenix
If you or your child is suffering from crossed eyes, this condition will not correct itself. It is important to seek treatment promptly to correct the condition. Dr. Shortridge can provide a variety of treatment options, depending on the cause and severity of your eye misalignment:
- Prescription glasses to correct a refractive error
- Prism lenses to alter how light enters the eye
- Eye patch to correct lazy eye
- Vision therapy to help the brain control alignment and visual processing
- Surgery to alter the eye muscles
Contact us today at (480) 994-5012 to schedule your child’s pediatric eye exam in Phoenix or to learn more about our eye care for children.