Strabismus

Strabismus, a vision disorder characterized by misaligned or improperly coordinated eye movements, can significantly impact an individual’s vision and overall quality of life. Early detection and appropriate treatment are essential to managing this condition effectively. At Yaletown EyeCare, our team of experienced optometrists offers comprehensive strabismus services to help patients regain control over their vision and lead fulfilling lives.

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus, commonly called an eye misalignment or crossed eyes, occurs when the eyes don’t simultaneously point in the same direction. There are four primary types of strabismus, each characterized by the affected eye’s direction:

• Esotropia: The inward turning of one or both eyes, causing them to appear crossed
• Exotropia: The outward turning of one or both eyes, causing them to appear wall-eyed
• Hypertropia: The upward turning of one or both eyes, causing a vertical misalignment
• Hypotropia: The downward turning of one or both eyes, also resulting in a vertical misalignment

Various factors can contribute to the development of strabismus, including genetic predispositions, neurological disorders, and injuries to the eye muscles or nerves. In some cases, the underlying cause of strabismus may remain unknown.

Strabismus Symptoms and Diagnosis

Individuals with strabismus often experience double vision, uncoordinated eye movements, difficulty with depth perception, eye strain, and even headaches. Detecting strabismus early is vital, allowing for more effective treatment and improved long-term outcomes.

At Yaletown EyeCare, our expert optometrists perform comprehensive eye exams to assess eye alignment and function. Diagnostic procedures employed during these examinations include:

• Eye alignment tests evaluate how the eyes work together and can help identify misalignment issues.
• Visual acuity tests: By determining each eye’s clarity and sharpness, optometrists can better understand the impact of strabismus.
• Depth perception assessments: Depth perception tests measure the eyes’ ability to judge distances, which is often affected by strabismus accurately.

Strabismus Statistics in Canada

In Canada, strabismus affects approximately 2 to 4 percent of the population, impacting both children and adults. Early intervention is crucial, as timely treatment can significantly improve the chances of successful strabismus management. Moreover, most strabismus cases in Canada can be effectively managed with expert eye care and appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options for Strabismus at Yaletown EyeCare

Depending on the severity, type, and underlying cause of strabismus, our optometrists at Yaletown EyeCare will develop personalized treatment plans for each patient. Treatment options for strabismus may include:

Non-surgical treatments:

• Eyeglasses with corrective lenses: These glasses compensate for misalignment and improve vision, particularly in cases where strabismus is associated with refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
• Prism: Prism lenses help align the eyes and alleviate symptoms such as double vision by altering the light’s path before it reaches the eye.
• Vision therapy: This treatment involves a series of exercises designed to strengthen eye muscles, improve coordination, and enhance visual processing. We often refer out to our local vision therapists for this.
• Eye patches: Eye patches encourage using the weaker eye, particularly in amblyopia (lazy eye), which often co-occurs with strabismus. This is very important for younger patients.

Surgical treatments:

• Eye muscle surgery: This procedure adjusts the length and position of eye muscles, improving alignment and coordination. Surgery is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments prove insufficient or in cases of severe strabismus. We will refer out for this when needed.

Our optometrists work closely with patients to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for their needs and circumstances.

Living with Strabismus

Managing daily activities with strabismus can be challenging, but proper treatment and support enable patients to lead fulfilling lives. Here are some tips for coping with strabismus and improving visual comfort:

• Adhere to your optometrist’s recommendations for glasses, prisms, or vision therapy exercises
• Schedule regular eye exams to monitor the progress of treatment and make adjustments as necessary
• Seek support from friends, family, and online forums or social networks focused on strabismus to share experiences and coping strategies.