Characteristics
Strabismus is characterised by:
- Misalignment of eye positioning
- Potential impact on binocular vision
- Varying degrees of eye turn
- Possible developmental complications
- Potential psychological and social challenges
- Complex muscular and neurological interactions
Symptoms
Key indicators of strabismus include:
- Misaligned eyes
- One eye turning inward (esotropia)
- One eye turning outward (exotropia)
- Vertical eye misalignment (hypertropias/hypotropias)
- Paralytic strabismus - caused by nerve damage or dysfunction
- Abnormal head positioning
- Double vision
- Reduced depth perception
- Eye strain
- Difficulty with eye coordination
- Potential visual confusion
Causes
Contributing factors to strabismus:
- Refractive errors
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Genetic predispositions
- Cranial nerve damage
- Hydrocephalus
- Premature birth
- Craniofacial abnormalities
- Muscle control issues
- Neurological conditions
- Eye muscle imbalances
Diagnosis
Comprehensive diagnostic process includes:
- Detailed medical history
- Visual acuity testing
- Stereoacuity assessment
- Pupil examination
- Sensorimotor testing
- Slit lamp examination
- Cycloplegic refraction
- Dilated fundus examination
- Measurement of eye misalignment
- Neurological screening
Treatments
Conservative Approaches
- Corrective eyeglasses
- Prism lenses
- Eye patching
- Vision therapy
- Orthoptic exercises
Surgical Interventions
- Eye muscle realignment
- Muscle repositioning
- Tension adjustment
- Comprehensive eye muscle management
Additional Therapies
- Botox treatments
- Specialised rehabilitation
- Ongoing monitoring
Primary Surgical Goals
- Improve eye alignment
- Enhance binocular vision
- Increase depth perception
- Reduce visual strain
- Improve peripheral vision
- Address potential psychosocial impacts
Post-Treatment Expectations
Success Rate
- Approximately 70-80% improvement
- Potential for multiple interventions
- Significant functional restoration
- Individualised outcomes
Recovery Time
- Initial healing: 1-2 weeks
- Full recovery: 4-6 weeks
- Gradual vision adaptation
- Multiple follow-up assessments
- Potential additional therapies
Medications and Care
- Pain management
- Anti-inflammatory treatments
- Antibiotic eye drops
- Protective eye shields
- Specific post-operative instructions
- Ongoing rehabilitation
- Psychological support
Note: Individual results vary. Comprehensive consultation and personalised treatment planning are essential for optimal outcomes