AOA Definition:

Strabismus is a condition where both eyes do not focus on the same point simultaneously. It typically occurs in individuals with poor eye muscle control or significant refractive errors.

In young children, strabismus can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye). For more information on amblyopia, please refer to this section. In adults, strabismus can develop after head injuries or emotional stress, but it does not lead to amblyopia.

Strabismus is not a problem with the eye muscles themselves; rather, it is a sensorimotor dysfunction. The issue lies in the brain’s inability to coordinate the six pairs of extraocular muscles between the two eyes. This is a binocular vision problem. Strabismus is highly treatable at any age through vision development or neuro-vision rehabilitation programs, and surgery is typically unnecessary.

Even if you have already undergone or are planning surgery, this program can still assist in eye coordination as part of pre-operative or post-operative care.

If surgery is recommended, here are some questions to bring to your surgeon during your pre-operative visit:

Resources:

• VisionHelp Strabismus Resources
• Fixing My Gaze by Dr. Susan Barry
• Cross-eyed Optimist by Robert Bryan Crockett
• One eyed Princess Gaining the Depth in Sight and Mind  By Suzanna Zaraysky
• Crossed & Lazy Eyes: Myths, Misconceptions, and Truths by Pilar Vergara Gimenez
• A Parent’s Guide to Strabismus, Surgery, and Vision Therapy by Dr. Steven Gallop

All books are available on Amazon.com or OEPF.org.