What treatments can you get if are cockeyed?

Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes or cockeyed, is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned and point in different directions. The treatment for strabismus depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the misalignment. Here are some of the available treatment options:

a. Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: For minor cases of strabismus, corrective lenses can help improve eye alignment and vision.

b. Vision Therapy: This non-surgical treatment involves vision exercises to strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination between the eyes.

c. Botox Injections: Small amounts of Botulinum toxin (Botox) can be injected into the stronger eye muscle to weaken it slightly, thus allowing the weaker muscle to become stronger and restore eye alignment.

d. Eye Muscle Surgery: This is recommended for more severe cases where eyeglasses, contact lenses, or vision therapy do not provide satisfactory results. The surgery involves adjusting the length or position of the muscles that control eye movement. During the procedure, the surgeon either weakens the overactive muscles or strengthens the underactive ones to achieve proper eye alignment.

e. Prism Surgery: A prism placed in front of one eye, usually with glasses or a prism contact lens, can refract (bend) light and align the images seen by each eye, reducing double vision. This is effective if you still have double vision in the corrected alignment after any of the previously listed treatments.

As it's crucial to preserve proper visual development in children with strabismus, consult an ophthalmologist (a physician specializing in eyes) in a timely manner to receive appropriate treatment recommendations based on individual needs and eye findings. Early evaluation and management can greatly enhance the chances of success.