Strabismus Treatment

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus is a condition in which one eye shifts or deviates from the other in a situation where the eyes should normally be parallel. This indicates that there is a problem with the control of the eye muscles. Strabismus usually begins in childhood, but in some cases it can also occur in adulthood.

Strabismus can be in the form of inward (inward strabismus), outward (external strabismus), upward (upward strabismus) or downward (downward strabismus). The severity of strabismus may differ from person to person. For some people, strabismus may be prominent and noticeable, while for others it may be milder and unnoticeable.

The causes of strabismus can be various. Some common causes of strabismus may include genetic factors, weak or unbalanced eye muscles, eye injuries, eye infections, or certain neurological problems. Strabismus can lead to vision problems, impaired depth perception and eye strain.

Strabismus is a treatable condition. Treatment is determined by the cause of the strabismus, its severity, and the age of the person. Treatment options such as glasses or contact lenses, eye exercises, botulinum toxin injection and surgery may be used. Treatment is usually led by ophthalmologists. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the effects of strabismus and restore normal alignment of the eyes.

What Causes Strabismus?

There are various factors and causes that can lead to strabismus. Here are some common causes of strabismus:

- Weakness or imbalance of the eye muscles: One of the most common causes of strabismus is the weak or unbalanced operation of the eye muscles. The fact that the eye muscles do not work in harmony with each other can prevent the eyes from being parallel.

- Genetic factors: Strabismus may occur as a result of genetic predisposition. If you have a family history of strabismus, the risk of developing strabismus may also increase.

- Eye injuries: Eye injuries can cause strabismus, especially when the eye muscles are affected. If damage occurs to the eye muscles as a result of trauma, the alignment of the eyes may be impaired.

- Eye infections: Some eye infections, especially infections such as conjunctivitis in early childhood, can cause strabismus. Infections can affect the control of the eye muscles, leading to strabismus.

- Neurological problems: Some neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, brain tumors or nervous system disorders, can contribute to strabismus. In this case, the nerves that control the eye muscles may be affected.

- Refractive errors: When glasses or contact lenses are not used, certain refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) can cause strabismus. In this case, having different focal points of the eyes can lead to strabismus.

Each strabismus is individual and may be due to different causes. The cause of strabismus can be diagnosed correctly and the appropriate treatment method can be determined. An ophthalmologist can evaluate to identify the cause of strabismus and offer appropriate treatment options.

What are Strabismus Treatment Methods?

Some methods used for the treatment of strabismus:

- Glasses or contact lenses: In cases of mild strabismus, a suitable eyeglass or contact lens may be prescribed. This can help correct the difference in vision between the eyes.

- Eye exercises: Some types of strabismus can be treated with eye exercises to strengthen the eye muscles and improve their coordination. Certain exercises that target the eye muscles can help correct eye movements.

- Botulinum toxin injection: Certain types of strabismus can be treated by injecting botulinum toxin into the eye muscles. This injection can help correct strabismus by temporarily weakening certain muscles. However, its effect is temporary and may need to be repeated regularly.

- Surgery: In cases where strabismus is severe or permanent, surgical intervention may be required. In surgery, structural changes are made to adjust the length or tension of the eye muscles. This can ensure proper alignment of the eyes.

Treatment for strabismus should be determined by an ophthalmologist. The treatment method is determined individually depending on the age, general health status, severity and cause of the strabismus. Your ophthalmologist will recommend the most suitable treatment plan for you.