Issue 4.17
Do You Have Strabismus? Sometimes referred to as a lazy eye…
Signs and symptoms include:
- * An eye that wanders in or out, up or down
- * Eyes that may not appear to work together
- * Poor depth perception (3D vision)
- * Early eye examination is key to detection and diagnosis
There are three common causes of lazy eye:
Strabismic. The most common cause of lazy eye is strabismus (eye turn or wandering eye) an imbalance in the muscles responsible for aligning the eyes resulting in one eye pointing in or out, up or down. When the eyes are not aligned, two different images are being sent to the brain resulting in double vision. The brain is then forced to turn off the image coming from the misaligned eye to create a single image.
Deprivation. The most severe type of amblyopia in terms of vision loss resulting from an obstruction that “deprives” a person of clear vision in the eye. Examples include a cloudy area in the lens (cataract), droopy eyelid, or opacity.
Refractive. The result of a significant difference between the vision in each eye, due to nearsightedness, farsightedness or an imperfection on the surface of the eye (astigmatism) making it difficult for the eyes to focus together. An infant has no way of telling his parent’s one of his eyes does not see as clear as the other. Since it is difficult for the visual system to fuse a clear image with a blurred image, the brain learns to suppress the blurred eye causing vision to stop developing in that eye.
We frequently receive questions about strabismus, we wanted to share the most commonly asked as well as the answers.
Can anything be done for adults with misaligned eyes?
Answer: Yes. Recent treatment advances allow most adults with misaligned eyes to have surgical correction.
Is eye straightening as an adult strictly cosmetic?
Answer: No. Eye alignment surgery improves eye function in most adults and can lead to social and economic benefits.
Does my insurance cover the expense of this surgery?
Answer: Although eye muscle surgery is reconstructive (not cosmetic), one should check with the insurance carrier to determine their specific policy.
Is eye muscle surgery risky for adults?
Answer: No. However, every surgical procedure has some risks. Health risks vary with the general health of the individual.
How successful is eye muscle surgery?
Answer: Most individuals have significant improvement in eye alignment with one surgery.
What age is “too old” to have eye muscle surgery?
Many adults with Strabismus have said, “I am embarrassed by my misaligned eyes and avoid looking people in the eye.” Or “It seems to me that people are distracted by my wandering eye causing problems with social interaction and difficulty getting the job I want.”
Answer: Eyes can be straightened at any age and should be considered as a treatment alternative if it enhances quality of life. Increased social interaction, improved self-confidence and employment opportunities are all potential benefits of having surgery to align the eyes. All individuals deserve to know the options.
If you have not had an eye exam within the last year, or if you are uncertain if you have a strabismus condition, please contact your eye care professional or Richens Eye Center for an appointment at 435.216.1226. We welcome the opportunity to serve you and your family.