What causes crossed eyes?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen You
Introduction
Strabismus may be caused by congenital factors or accommodative strabismus. Congenital strabismus refers to misalignment of the two eyes shortly after birth, where the eyes are not on the same visual axis. Accommodative strabismus, on the other hand, is an outward deviation of the eye caused by hyperopia (farsightedness) or myopia (nearsightedness). Additionally, some patients may develop paralytic strabismus, which occurs in adults due to injury, disease, or tumors that damage the extraocular muscles or the associated nerves.
Today, many preschool- and school-aged children exhibit strabismus—a misalignment of the eyes—not only affecting ocular aesthetics but also impairing learning. What causes strabismus?
What Causes Strabismus?
Strabismus may be congenital or accommodative in origin. Congenital strabismus refers to misalignment present at birth, wherein the two eyes fail to align along the same horizontal plane. Accommodative strabismus, commonly associated with hyperopia (farsightedness) or myopia (nearsightedness), typically manifests as exotropia (outward deviation). Another type—paralytic strabismus—occurs in adults due to trauma, disease, or tumors that damage either the extraocular muscles or their innervating nerves.
If a patient develops suppression-related (or “disuse”) strabismus, it not only compromises ocular appearance but also adversely affects vision. Suppression-related strabismus arises when one eye becomes severely impaired—or even blind—due to illness or injury, rendering it functionally inactive. Also termed “suppression-related exotropia,” this condition usually develops within days to months and often resolves spontaneously within one year. Most cases involve exotropia, though some present as esotropia (inward deviation); hence, this is classified as suppression-related strabismus—and is indeed a true form of strabismus.
Treatment options include laser therapy or corrective eyewear. During treatment, patients should avoid prolonged use of electronic devices, rest their eyes frequently by closing them, and perform appropriate eye exercises regularly—these measures support ocular recovery. We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and a joyful life!
