Strabismus

What is Strabismus/Squint?

Strabismus is a condition that causes an adult or child’s eyes to point in different directions.

different types of strabismus

Measuring the ocular deviation can be done by the Hirschberg light reflex test. A light torch in held front of examiner and light directed into patient’s eyes. A normal reflex is slight symmetrical nasal displacement of 5 degrees.

Consequence of acquired strabismus is diplopia/double vision. Before the age of 6, there is cortical suppression of image from deviated eye, leading to strabismic amblyopia and loss of binocular fusion and stereopsis.

 

Causes of strabismus

There are several possible causes of strabismus, including weak eye muscles, heredity, cataract, and nerve conditions. Dangerous strabismus that need to be urgently referred:

  1. Acquired strabismus
  2. Diplopia
  3. Limited eye movements
  4. Ptosis or other neurological signs
  5. Poor vision
  6. Abnormal red reflex

 

Treatment of strabismus

Treatment may include a combination of patching, eye glasses, eye drops, eye exercises, and surgery. Surgery is only recommended if patching or eye glasses do not work. Strabismus surgery involves tightening the weak muscles and/or loosening the stronger ones so that the eyes are positioned better. Special absorbable stitches will hold the eye muscles in their new position. The surgeon will not cut the skin around the eye, take the eye out of its socket, or use any lasers during the operation.

To schedule an appointment or to know more about strabismus, please call 6777 6058. Alternatively please send us an enquiry.