Can strabismus affect vision?

Whether strabismus affects vision depends on the patient's age and the type of strabismus. Strabismus occurring in childhood often impacts visual development, while strabismus acquired in adulthood typically does not directly damage existing vision but may cause visual discomfort. The details are as follows:

During childhood, when the visual system is in a critical developmental stage, strabismus prevents both eyes from focusing on the same object simultaneously. To avoid double vision, the brain suppresses visual signals from the misaligned eye. Over time, due to lack of clear visual stimulation, the affected eye fails to develop normal vision, leading to amblyopia—characterized by reduced vision that cannot be corrected with glasses—and impaired development of binocular depth perception.

In adults, whose visual systems have already matured, strabismus caused later in life by trauma, neurological disorders, or other conditions generally does not reduce pre-existing visual acuity. However, abnormal coordination between the eyes can lead to symptoms such as double vision, eye strain, and headaches, interfering with daily activities like reading and driving. Prolonged compensation may also result in abnormal head posture, causing neck discomfort.

Parents should schedule regular vision checkups for children. If strabismus is detected before age 3, prompt intervention—such as corrective lenses, vision therapy, or surgery—is essential. Adults who develop strabismus should undergo evaluation to identify underlying causes, maintain healthy visual habits, avoid prolonged near-work, take hourly breaks to look into the distance, and reduce overall visual strain.