“My child is crossing their eyes” – many parents panic and become anxious when they notice that their child’s eyes don’t look straight and appear misaligned. Any disruption in the parallel alignment of the eyes is a symptom of a condition that requires medical attention. The earlier the cause is identified, the more effective the treatment will be.
Causes
There are various reasons why a child may cross their eyes. During the first two months, babies’ eyes often do not work in sync. You may notice that their eyes occasionally diverge — either turning in toward the nose or drifting outward. In most cases, this is normal and due to the underdeveloped coordination of the eye muscles, and it typically resolves with time. However, if you observe that one of the baby’s eyes frequently or constantly deviates in a certain direction, it’s a sign that you should consult a specialist.
Strabismus (crossed eyes) is a condition in which the eyes are not symmetrically aligned and look in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. The condition may be constant or intermittent and can affect one or both eyes. In some cases, strabismus is congenital, but it can also develop later in childhood or even in adulthood.
Strabismus may be caused by abnormalities in the external eye muscles, their nerve supply, the visual centers in the brain, or due to poor vision in one or both eyes. Risk factors for developing strabismus include differences in the refractive power between the two eyes, abnormalities in the transparency of the eye’s optical media, premature birth, neurological disorders, syndromic conditions, cerebral palsy, eye or head trauma, and hereditary or genetic eye diseases.
Is Strabismus Dangerous?
If left untreated, strabismus can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye). When the eyes are misaligned and looking in different directions, the brain suppresses one of the images to avoid double vision. As a result, vision in one eye weakens.
What Should You Do?
Do not neglect an eye examination by a specialist. It is recommended that the first preventive eye exam be done at 6 months of age. VISION has the necessary equipment suitable for babies, which simultaneously measures both eyes from a distance of one meter without the need to dilate the pupils. Not only is the diagnosis accurate, but the children also remain calm during the exam.
Keep an eye on your child’s eyes — if you notice changes in vision or misalignment in certain situations, do not wait for the problem to resolve on its own.
If you have concerns about your child’s vision, don’t wait — book an eye exam. At VISION, we provide comprehensive eye care for children from birth to adolescence in a specialized unit equipped not only with the most advanced diagnostic and treatment tools but also designed to make children feel comfortable in a cozy, child-friendly environment.
