How to Treat Strabismus

If you've ever seen a person with crossed eyes, you've likely seen a case of strabismus. The term strabismus refers to a misalignment of the eyes. It's more common than people think; affecting 5 percent of all children. Many people mistakenly think that strabismus will go away as a child grows. Strabismus actually requires treatment and careful monitoring. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult with your pediatrician or general practitioner to determine if you need a referral to an ophthalmologist. Some minor cases of strabismus require monitoring; however, more significant cases require immediate intervention.

• 2

  Allow an ophthalmologist to examine your eyes to determine if glasses are necessary to correct refractive error. Talk to the doctor about the benefit of adding prisms to glasses if glasses are indicated.

• 3

  Follow the doctor's recommendation for eye muscle exercises. While these exercises are not likely to cure strabismus, they are worth trying.

• 4

  Discuss the possibility of placing a patch over the good eye. When this is done, the good eye shuts down, allowing the muscles of the other eye to work and build strength. Some doctors may use eye drops or special glasses to mimic the effects of a patch.

• 5

  Consider the benefits of surgery. Surgery may involve the muscles of one eye or both.

• 6

  Check with your ophthalmologist about new drugs that are injected into the eye's stronger muscles, subsequently causing the weaker muscles to get stronger.