Crossed Eyes

Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) Treatment in the Bay Area – Causes, Symptoms & Correction Options

Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly and do not look at the same point at the same time. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward due to issues with eye muscle control or focusing.

This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and may affect the same eye or alternate between both eyes.

Why Eye Alignment Matters

Proper eye alignment is essential for:

• Clear, single vision
• Depth perception
• Normal visual development

When the eyes are misaligned, the brain receives two different images. Over time, the brain may begin to ignore input from the turned eye, which can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) and permanent vision reduction if left untreated.

Types of Strabismus

Strabismus is classified based on the direction the eye turns:

• Esotropia – inward turning
• Exotropia – outward turning
• Hypertropia – upward turning
• Hypotropia – downward turning

It may also be described by:

• Frequency (constant or intermittent)
• Whether the same eye is affected or alternates between eyes

Two common forms include:

• Accommodative esotropia – often related to uncorrected farsightedness
• Intermittent exotropia – difficulty maintaining eye coordination, especially when tired or focusing at distance

Symptoms of Strabismus

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Visible eye misalignment
• Double vision
• Eye strain or fatigue
• Head tilting or turning
• Closing one eye when reading or in bright light
• Difficulty with depth perception

In children, symptoms may not always be obvious, making early evaluation important.

Strabismus in Children vs Adults

Strabismus most often develops in infants and young children, typically before age 3. It is a common misconception that children will outgrow crossed eyes – this is not true.

Any child older than 4 months whose eyes are not consistently straight should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

Some infants may appear to have crossed eyes due to facial features (pseudostrabismus), which often improves as the face develops.

Adults can also develop strabismus, often related to:

• Eye muscle or nerve issues
• Medical conditions (such as stroke or neurological disease)
• Prior eye conditions or injury

What Causes Strabismus?

Strabismus can result from:

• Imbalance in the eye muscles
• Problems with the nerves controlling eye movement
• Brain control center issues affecting coordination
• Uncorrected refractive errors, especially farsightedness

Risk Factors

• Family history of strabismus
• Significant uncorrected refractive error
• Conditions such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy
• History of stroke or head injury

How Strabismus Is Diagnosed

Strabismus is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:

• Visual acuity testing
• Refraction to determine prescription needs
• Eye alignment and coordination testing
• Evaluation of overall eye health

In some cases, eye drops may be used to fully assess focusing ability.

Strabismus Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and age of the patient. Options may include:

Important Note on Vision Therapy

While vision therapy may be used in some cases, it is not considered a primary treatment for childhood strabismus. Proper evaluation by an ophthalmologist is essential, and treatment may involve patching or surgery when appropriate.

Early diagnosis and treatment often lead to the best outcomes.

Take the Next Step on Crossed Eyes

Eye misalignment, double vision, or concerns about how the eyes are working together should be evaluated early – especially in children.

At Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group, we provide comprehensive strabismus evaluations to determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment to protect vision and improve alignment.

Call us at (650) 961-2585 or schedule an appointment online to get clear answers and a plan tailored to you or your child.