Does Strabismus in Babies Go Away on Its Own?

Strabismus is an eye problem characterized by the eyes not being in line. In a baby under normal conditions, the eye muscles work in a coordinated manner, ensuring that both eyes are in the same direction. However, if there is a problem that may cause strabismus, problems in controlling eye movements occur and normal eye position, called ocular alignment, cannot be maintained. Strabismus, which can be seen from infancy onwards, is divided into different types. Strabismus may be a temporary problem, or it may be permanent in some children and continue to be seen in adulthood. If strabismus is permanent and continues to progress, serious eye problems such as amblyopia may occur. For this reason, if strabismus develops, parents should definitely get support from a pediatric ophthalmologist (pediatric ophthalmologist). The type of this problem in the baby should be determined, and in case of permanent strabismus, a treatment plan suitable for the baby's eye health should be made.

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus is an eye defect that can be seen in all age groups and refers to the situation in which the eye is turned in a different direction than the other eye. Strabismus, which is common in childhood, can also occur in adults. Strabismus, which can cause serious vision problems such as amblyopia if it develops in childhood and its treatment is neglected, must be treated. Strabismus can be treated with glasses, eye exercises and, when necessary, surgical methods.

There are different types of strabismus. One of the most common types is accommodative esotropia. It is usually seen in people with a family history of strabismus. In accommodative exotropia, the eye moves inward towards the nose level. It is a type of strabismus that can occur in either eye. In intermittent exotropia, the eye is fixed on a target while the other eye moves outward. The patient's eye may often alternate between looking straight and looking outwards. Infantile esotropia is a type of strabismus seen in babies. In this case, where there is a significant inward turning in both eyes, an inward turning of the baby's eyes can be observed while focusing on an object both near and far.

What Causes Strabismus in Babies?

The exact cause of strabismus is not known today. However, it is thought that some factors may increase the risk of developing strabismus. These factors can be listed as follows.

• Mother and father have eye problems,
• The baby has vision problems such as hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism,
• Infections such as measles,
• Genetic conditions or syndromes such as Down syndrome,
• Developmental delays,
• Cerebral palsy,
• Related to the brain and nerves other problems.

Symptoms of Strabismus in Babies

Strabismus can be seen in all age groups, but it is more common in babies and young children. This condition, which usually occurs when the child reaches the age of 3, can also be seen in newborn babies. Strabismus that develops due to congenital reasons is called congenital strabismus. Newborn babies should be able to focus on small objects in their first 3 and 4 months, and their eyes should be aligned while focusing. A 6-month-old baby should be able to focus on both near and far objects. If the baby has a condition called false strabismus or foreign strabismus, the baby's eyes may appear to be misaligned. False strabismus may disappear with the growth and development of the baby, but if the strabismus is real strabismus and continues to exist, interventions for strabismus may be necessary. Strabismus can bring with it various symptoms, and if they are not intervened, the severity of the symptoms may increase. Symptoms of strabismus can be listed as follows.

• Double vision,
• Tendency to close one eye while focusing on a nearby object,
• Turning or turning the head in a certain direction. ,
• Headache,
• Squinting in sunlight,
• Failing to notice objects due to double vision and frequently tripping and falling,
• 3D loss of vision.

How Long Is Strabismus in Babies Considered Normal?

It is considered normal for babies to have misaligned eyes from the newborn period until a certain period of time. Newborn babies may have temporary eye conditions when they are born. This situation may cause strabismus in babies. However, with the development of eye muscles and structure, this situation can improve after a certain period of time. Eye misalignment is considered normal in babies from birth until the fourth month. If eye misalignment continues after the end of the fourth month, this situation should be monitored and necessary examinations should be performed. If the baby has strabismus, necessary treatment steps should be taken with support from specialist physicians.

Strabismus Risk Factors in Babies

Strabismus is an issue that needs to be taken into consideration for baby's health. Some health conditions may cause the development of strabismus, or the development of strabismus may occur as a symptom of some health conditions. Risk factors that may cause strabismus can be listed as follows:

• Poor vision in one eye,
• Cerebral palsy,
• Down Syndrome,
Hydrocephalus (a congenital disease that causes fluid accumulation in the brain),
• Brain tumors,
• Neurological problems,
• Graves disease (a disease caused by excessive production of thyroid hormone). disease).

Strabismus Diagnosis in Babies

In order to treat strabismus in babies, the underlying cause of strabismus must first be found and a diagnosis must be made that the strabismus is real strabismus. Strabismus can be diagnosed as a result of examinations performed by an ophthalmologist. The doctor may suspect strabismus during the clinical examination and if he or she asks questions about the symptoms the baby reveals. Various tests can be used to confirm this suspicion and make a definitive diagnosis. The physician can obtain findings regarding strabismus with tests such as the Hirschberg test or the uncovering test. If a diagnosis of strabismus is made, support can be received from different units for the underlying cause. Upon evaluation of the risk factors that may cause the development of strabismus, the underlying factor of strabismus can be found by getting support from neurological units or pediatricians. After all the steps are determined, a treatment plan for strabismus can be made.

Strabismus Treatment in Babies

In cases where strabismus does not go away on its own, strabismus treatment methods are used. In order to prevent strabismus from progressing and causing the development of amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus treatment should not be interrupted and treatment steps should be applied in line with the recommendations of doctors. The first of the main methods of treating strabismus in babies is glasses. If the child's eyes have a problem such as near vision or misalignment, glasses of appropriate grades can be used to solve this vision problem. By performing eye exercises within the scope of the exercises prescribed by the doctor, strengthening and better functioning of the muscles that control eye movements can be supported. If glasses and exercises are inadequate or if strabismus continues to progress, strabismus surgery may be required. In the surgery called strabismus surgery, procedures are performed on the muscles that control eye movements. After the procedures, the eyes are aligned correctly. The need for glasses may continue after the surgery, and in some cases, the need for glasses may disappear. Injection methods into the eye muscles may also be used before the surgery. With the injections, the eye muscles are weakened and the eyes are aligned. However, since injection methods have an effect of less than 3 months, it may not be a permanent solution.

Strabismus surgery is one of the frequently preferred methods in the treatment of strabismus in babies. Strabismus surgery is a very common form of treatment, thanks to the permanent result of the surgery and its high success rate.

Source

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/squint/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15065-strabismus-crossed-eyes