DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Ophthalmologic Disease

Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)

MODERATE

A condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. One eye may turn in, out, up, or down. Can cause amblyopia (lazy eye) in children. Affects depth perception.

Global Affected

13.0M

Countries

15

Symptoms

Eyes pointing in different directions
Uncoordinated eye movements
Squinting or closing one eye
Head tilting
Double vision (adults)
Poor depth perception
Eyestrain or headaches

Treatment Options

Corrective eyeglasses
Prism lenses
Eye patching (for amblyopia)
Atropine drops (for amblyopia)
Vision therapy
Orthoptic exercises
Botulinum toxin injections
Strabismus surgery
Adjustable suture technique

Risk Factors

1Family history
2Premature birth
3Cerebral palsy
4Down syndrome
5Other genetic conditions
6Farsightedness
7Thyroid eye disease
8Stroke or brain injury
9Cranial nerve palsies

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Cover-uncover test
  • 2Hirschberg test
  • 3Visual acuity testing
  • 4Cycloplegic refraction
  • 5Dilated eye exam
  • 6Neurological examination
  • 7Imaging (if indicated)
  • 8Hess chart or Lancaster screen

Prognosis

Excellent with treatment, especially in children. Early treatment prevents amblyopia. Surgery successful in 80-90% of cases. May need multiple surgeries. Adult strabismus also treatable. Binocular vision achievable in many.

Prevention

  • Regular pediatric eye exams
  • Early treatment of refractive errors
  • Prompt evaluation of eye turns
  • Genetic counseling (familial cases)
  • Prenatal care to reduce prematurity

Research Status

Glasses and patching for amblyopia. Prism glasses for small deviations. Botulinum toxin effective for certain types. Strabismus surgery highly successful. Adjustable sutures improving outcomes. Early intervention in children critical for visual development.

Sources

  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strabismus
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.