Understanding Eye Muscle Imbalance
Strabismus is an imbalance in the muscles of the eye which causes a horizontal or vertical misalignment. It stops the eyes from simultaneously focusing on one object, so two conflicting images are sent to the brain at the same time. Normally, both eyes focus on the same object and transmit only one image to the brain
The various types of strabismus relate to the different muscles involved. A total of six muscles attach to and move the eye. For instance, Esotropia is the name for crossed eyes. Hypertropia is the term for eyes with vertical muscle imbalance.
An infant or youngster with strabismus may learn to ignore or suppress the image seen by the misaligned eye. The normal eye becomes dominant, while the misaligned eye develops reduced vision from lack of use. This loss of vision in one eye is called amblyopia. Approximately 50% of children with strabismus develop amblyopia. If vision is significantly different from one eye to the other, amblyopia may also occur.
Common treatment options for strabismus include patching the stronger eye, eye exercises, medicated eye drops, eyeglasses and muscle surgery. Research has documented that 75% of patients with strabismus are corrected in one surgery, 90% with two surgeries and 98% with three surgeries. Muscle surgery can be performed through adulthood. The procedure is generally done on an outpatient basis at Yaldo Eye Center’s on-site surgical facility.
Treatment options for strabismus are determined in an individual basis. Your eye surgeon at Yaldo Eye Center would be happy to discuss all the alternatives available to you.
