Diagnosis of Strabismus in Children and Early Intervention for Treatment

Diagnosis of Strabismus in Children and Early Intervention for Treatment

2024-06-19

<h1>Diagnosis of Strabismus in Children and Early Intervention for Treatment</h1><p> </p><p>Strabismus or lazy eye is a condition in which the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. This can cause double vision, lazy eye, and difficulty seeing depth perception or estimating distances, so correct eye alignment is important to overcome this.</p><p>When the eyes are misaligned, the brain receives two different images which can lead to double vision or confusion. Poor vision may develop in the affected eye; however, over time, the brain will learn to ignore the image from that eye, leading to poor vision in that eye if left untreated.</p><h2>Diagnosing Pediatric Strabismus</h2><p>Diagnosing strabismus in a child is important because early intervention can help prevent vision issues. Your child's doctor will ask you about your family's medical history and how and when your child's strabismus developed. It's important to determine whether your child's strabismus is congenital or the result of another health issue.</p><p>Your child will have<strong> a complete eye exam</strong>, often involving the use of <strong>eye drops to dilate the pupils</strong>. Here are some of the tests your eye doctor may perform to diagnose strabismus:</p><ul><li><strong>Visual acuity test:</strong> vision screening: This test measures how well your child can see at different distances, using a standardized eye chart with letters or pictures.</li><li><strong>Eye covering test:</strong> This test assesses how your child's eyes respond when one eye is covered.</li><li><strong>Retinoscopy:</strong> This test is used to measure the amount of refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) in your child's eyes.</li><li><strong>Slit lamp examination:</strong> This test allows the ophthalmologist to see the front of your child's eye in detail, assessing the alignment of the eyes by having your child look directly at the point of light, to see if the pupil becomes smaller (constricted) with light or larger (dilated) when the light is removed.</li><li><strong>Fundus examination:</strong> To examine the back of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.</li><li><strong>Other tests:</strong> Your doctor may recommend other tests to rule out other medical causes of strabismus, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or axial computed tomography (CT) tests.</li></ul><p><strong>If your child is not yet able to speak</strong>, vision can be assessed by evaluating your child's ability to fixate vision on a moving object or your child's response when covering one eye.</p><h3>When are screenings done?</h3><p>Routine eye exams are usually done to detect eye issues in infants and children:</p><ul><li>During newborn screening.</li><li>6-8 weeks after birth.</li><li>Preschool or school entry.</li></ul><h2>Pediatric Strabismus Treatment</h2><p>Treatment of strabismus depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. In some cases, strabismus may not require any treatment, as it may decrease or disappear on its own within several months, but your child may be required to have regular check-ups at the eye clinic. The younger the child is treated, the faster the vision is likely to improve and the better the chance of regaining full normal vision, otherwise the strabismus may become permanent.</p><p>Treatment options may include one or more of the following:</p><ul><li><strong>Eye patch</strong></li></ul><p>The main treatment for strabismus is the use of an eye patch to restrict the use of the healthy eye, forcing the lazy eye to work harder. It is used a few hours a week or most of the day, for several weeks to several months, until vision normalizes or the eye stops responding.</p><ul><li><strong>Glasses</strong></li></ul><p>can help correct refractive errors that may contribute to strabismus.</p><ul><li><strong>Exercise</strong></li></ul><p>This involves playing visually demanding games with your child to exercise the affected eye more challenging.</p><ul><li><strong>Prismatic glasses</strong></li></ul><p>These special glasses can help bend light rays and improve eye alignment. Wear glasses to correct any refractive error in one or both eyes.</p><ul><li><strong>Surgery</strong></li></ul><p>Strabismus surgery is a very common surgical procedure that involves tightening or moving one or more of the eye muscles, thereby improving the appearance of the eyes.</p><ul><li><strong>Botox injections</strong></li></ul><p>are not commonly used in children, but can sometimes be an option.</p><p><strong>If you have any concerns about your child's vision, don't neglect their eye health, and make sure to visit the eye doctor regularly to ensure they get the good vision they deserve. Book an appointment today with <a href="https://www.ihospitalapp.com/ar/search/%D8%B7%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%86/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%86/%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86/%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B7%D9%82/%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA">the best iHospital ophthalmologist</a> to schedule your child's checkup!</strong></p><h2>Frequently asked questions</h2><h3>Can strabismus in children be cured?</h3><p>Some children can outgrow strabismus, often within the first few months of life, as their visual system develops. This type of intermittent strabismus usually disappears on its own by around 3 months of age. But in most cases, children don't outgrow strabismus. If your child has strabismus, it's important to see a pediatric ophthalmologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan</p><h3>What is pseudo-strabismus in children?</h3><p>Pseudostrabismus is a condition that affects some children where their eyes appear to be misaligned, when in fact the eyes are functioning normally and seeing correctly, but the shape of the eyelids or other formations around the eyes may suggest strabismus. The condition does not require treatment and often goes away on its own as the child grows older.</p><h3>How do I know if my child has strabismus?</h3><p>In addition to an eye exam, the doctor may also ask about your child's symptoms of strabismus, such as:</p><ul><li>Each eye looking in a different direction, and tilting the head in an attempt to improve vision.</li><li>Frequently closing one eye, especially in bright light.</li><li>Frequent eye rubbing.</li><li>Sensitivity to light.</li><li>Difficulty focusing and tracking objects with the eyes.</li><li>Double vision.</li></ul><p>If you find signs or symptoms in your child, it is important to visit an ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment.</p><h3>When does strabismus start in children?</h3><p>Your child can be born with strabismus, or they can develop it later in life; before they are 3 years old. Strabismus can also develop as a result of an accident or other health issue.</p><h3>Does strabismus return after treatment?</h3><p>Most patients notice an improvement in their strabismus after a single surgery. It is possible that several years after successful surgery, the strabismus may gradually return again, and a second operation or Botox treatment may be needed later.</p><hr><h2>References</h2><ol><li aria-level="1"><a href="https://patient.info/eye-care/visual-problems/squint-in-children-strabismus#how-is-a-squint-diagnosed-and-assessed">Squint in Children (Strabismus): Symptoms and Treatment</a>, Patient Info</li><li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/childhood-squint-strabismus-information-leaflet-for-parents-and-guardians/">Childhood Squint (Strabismus) information leaflet for parents and guardians</a>, CUH</li><li aria-level="1"><a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/strabismus.html">Strabismus (for Parents)</a>, Nemours KidsHealth</li><li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/eye-defects-and-conditions-in-children/strabismus">Strabismus - Pediatrics</a>, MSD Manual Professional Edition</li><li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/strabismus-and-amblyopia">Strabismus and Amblyopia</a>, Boston Children's Hospital</li></ol>