What should be done about strabismus in children?
Aug 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Children with high hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism may experience excessive eye accommodation in order to see clearly, which can easily lead to eye misalignment and strabismus, as well as symptoms such as blurred vision. The primary solution involves wearing properly corrective glasses after cycloplegic refraction. Under a doctor's guidance, atropine sulfate ophthalmic gel can also be used to achieve cycloplegia, along with lutein chewable tablets to provide nutritional support for the eyes.
Pediatric strabismus may be caused by underdeveloped visual system, improper eye posture, refractive errors, abnormal growth of extraocular muscles, or brain nerve injuries. Generally, it can be improved through wearing corrective glasses, undergoing visual training, medication intervention, or surgical procedures. If abnormalities occur, timely medical attention is necessary. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Underdeveloped Visual System: During early childhood, the binocular coordination ability is not fully established, and the control of eye movement is relatively weak, which may lead to transient strabismus. As the child grows, visual function gradually improves, and this condition usually resolves naturally, requiring only regular observation for changes.
2. Improper Eye Posture: Habits such as staring at electronic screens at close range for extended periods, frequently tilting the head, or reading while lying sideways can cause imbalance in the regulation of eye muscles, leading to strabismus. These不良 postures should be corrected immediately, eye usage time should be reasonably arranged, children should be encouraged to spend more time outdoors, and they should be guided to look at objects at varying distances.
3. Refractive Errors: If children suffer from high hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism, their eyes must exert excessive effort to see clearly, which can easily cause ocular misalignment and result in strabismus, accompanied by symptoms such as blurred vision. The primary solution involves wearing appropriate corrective glasses after cycloplegic refraction. Additionally, under medical guidance, atropine sulfate ophthalmic gel can be used for cycloplegia, and lutein chewable tablets or vitamin A soft capsules may be taken to provide ocular nutritional support.
4. Abnormal Extraocular Muscle Development: Imbalanced extraocular muscle strength or abnormal attachment positions can lead to uncoordinated eye movements, resulting in strabismus and potentially accompanied by slow visual development or amblyopia. Doctors usually begin with amblyopia treatment, such as using tropicamide compound eye drops for cycloplegic examination, combined with occlusion therapy to improve vision. Once visual improvement is observed, surgical correction of the extraocular muscles may be performed.
5. Brain Nerve Injury: Damage to brain nerves can affect normal eye muscle movement, causing strabismus and potentially leading to symptoms like restricted eye movement and dizziness. Under medical guidance, oral mecobalamin tablets, vitamin B1 injections, and sodium citicoline capsules may be used to nourish nerves. Ocular functional training should also be conducted, and surgery may be required in severe cases.
In daily life, regular vision checkups for children are essential to detect and address ocular issues early. Children should be encouraged to develop healthy eye habits, avoid prolonged near-eye work, and ensure sufficient outdoor activity to support healthy ocular development.
