Strabismus

Strabismus is an eye disorder that occurs when the eyes are not aligned. In this case, one eye looks straight ahead while the other eye looks in a different direction. Strabismus occurs due to a problem with the nerves or muscles that affect the eye and come from the brain. Although strabismus is more commonly seen in infants and children, it can also occur in older individuals. Some of the other reasons for this situation include various eye diseases, stress and tumor. Apart from double vision, strabismus can also cause problems such as headache and fatigue.

While congenital strabismus requires treatments for this disorder, strabismus that develops later can be corrected by treating the underlying health problems. Treatment may vary depending on the severity of strabismus, its cause, and the age of the patient. Treatment options may include glasses, eye exercises, surgery to strengthen eye muscles, and corrective lenses. When strabismus is left untreated, it can negatively affect the vision of the eye, causing more serious problems such as vision loss and negatively affecting the quality of life. For this reason, treatment should be done as early as possible.

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus is an eye disorder in which the eyes are not aligned. Normally, the eyes should be in line and looking in the same direction. However, in case of strabismus, one eye loses its normal position and one eye looks in a certain direction while the other eye looks in a different direction. For this reason, a condition known as double vision or refractive error may occur, which causes both eyes to focus on different places and receive different images.

Strabismus is usually a congenital problem, but it may also develop later. Congenital strabismus can be noticed in infants or children and needs to be diagnosed and treated early. Acquired strabismus can occur for many different reasons, such as neurological diseases, traumas, infections or disorders in the thyroid gland.

When left untreated, strabismus can cause more serious problems such as vision loss and negatively affect the quality of life. . Therefore, it is important for people with suspected strabismus to consult an ophthalmologist and take the necessary steps for diagnosis and treatment.

What Causes Strabismus?

Strabismus is an eye disease in which the eye is misaligned due to misalignment. The causes of strabismus are complex and often depend on multiple factors. The main reasons for this situation are; It is nerve damage in the eyes or malfunction of the muscles around the eyes. Some of the reasons that play a role in the formation of strabismus are as follows:

• Weak eye muscles or problems with muscle coordination
• Neurological disorders, especially brain damage or nervous system problems< /li>
• Genetic predisposition, children with a family history of strabismus
• Eye injuries
• Head trauma
• Cerebral palsy or stroke
• Lazy eye disease
• Cerebral palsy disease
• Febrile diseases

What are the symptoms of strabismus?

The clearest symptom of strabismus is that the eyes look in a direction other than their normal alignment. This condition occurs when both eyes do not look in the same alignment. In general, symptoms of strabismus may include the following:

• One of the eyes looking in a different direction from the other
• Eye strain
• Double vision or blurred vision
• Headache
• Eye fatigue
• Blinking or difficulty in blinking< /li>
• Sensitivity to light
• One of the eyes appearing smaller
• Decreased depth perception

The above-mentioned symptoms occur after fatigue and stress. It may be visible or permanent.

When symptoms of strabismus are noticed, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists apply an appropriate treatment depending on when the symptoms started and how long they have persisted.

What are the Types of Strabismus?

Types of strabismus may vary depending on the type of strabismus, the degree of strabismus, the direction of strabismus and age. Some of the types of strabismus are as follows:

• Esotropia (inward strabismus): One of the eyes looks towards the nose and the other is in the normal looking position.
• Exotropia (outward strabismus). ): One eye looks towards the outer part of the eye while the other is in a normal gaze position.
• Hypertrophy (upward strabismus): When one eye is in a normal position, the other looks upward.
• Hypotropia (downward strabismus) : When one eye is in a normal position, the other looks downwards.
• Complex Strabismus: Strabismus occurs when one of the eyes is looking in more than one direction or in changing directions.
• Partial Strabismus: While one of the eyes is in a normal position, the other is in a normal position. It occurs in a slightly strabismus position.

These types of strabismus often combine with each other, causing complex strabismus. However, each patient may have a different type of strabismus and should be examined by an ophthalmologist for correct diagnosis and treatment.

How is Strabismus Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of strabismus can be made by an ophthalmologist when there are some symptoms of this condition. Doctors first check the movements, position and coordination of the eyes with a detailed examination. Strabismus tests may also be performed during the examination. Strabismus can generally be diagnosed as follows:

• Corneal light reflex test
• Visual acuity test
• Retinal examination
< /ul>

Strabismus Treatment

The treatment of strabismus may vary depending on the type and degree of strabismus, the patient's age and general health condition. Glasses, oculoplastic surgery, botulinum toxin injections or surgical correction of eye muscles are methods used to treat strabismus. Which treatment is most appropriate is determined by each patient's individual situation. Strabismus treatment may continue until the intended goal is achieved. Some methods used in the treatment of strabismus are as follows:

• Glasses: In cases of mild strabismus, the use of glasses may be sufficient to correct this condition. Glasses can prevent eye misalignment and help keep the squinting eye in line with the other eye.
• Eye Exercises: Eye exercises can help correct the movement of the eye. To help the eyes look correctly, muscle checks and eye exercises to improve the coordination between the brain and the eye can be performed. These exercises are a method that is performed under the guidance of an ophthalmologist and gives positive results when applied regularly.
• Oculoplastic Surgery: In some cases of strabismus, surgical intervention of the eyelids and the area around the eyes may be required. This procedure may function to correct strabismus by straightening the eyelids or muscles around the eyes.
• Botulinum Toxin Injections: Botulinum toxin injections may function to correct strabismus by temporarily reducing control of the eye muscles. This method can be used in preparation for surgical intervention or in patients who are not suitable for surgical intervention.
• Surgical Intervention: Surgical interventions, one of the most commonly used methods in the treatment of strabismus, involve surgical correction of the eye muscles. This procedure can function to correct strabismus by weakening or strengthening the eye muscles.

Treatment is more likely to be successful with early diagnosis and treatment. It is important for patients to carefully follow their doctor's recommendations before treatment.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment in Strabismus

Strabismus; It can lead to double vision, headache, difficulty reading, and even vision loss in advanced cases. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent or minimize the appearance of these symptoms. Especially if there is a family member with a misaligned eye, early diagnosis may prevent the progression of childhood strabismus cases. Therefore, it is recommended that children have regular eye examinations after the age of 2-5. Since strabismus in children can also cause reading problems, the earlier treatment is started, the more likely they are to be successful in school. Early diagnosis and treatment of strabismus is important to protect eye health and prevent disease symptoms. Therefore, it is important to have regular eye examinations and to consult a specialist immediately when symptoms of strabismus are noticed.