What Causes Strabismus in Children?

A child’s crossed eyes (strabismus) may result from congenital underdevelopment of the extraocular muscles; however, excessive eye strain—such as prolonged near-vision tasks (e.g., reading or screen viewing at close range)—cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor. Sustained focusing can cause inward deviation of the eyes, leading to the appearance of crossed eyes in children. It is recommended that the child be evaluated at a reputable local hospital for appropriate diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause, followed by targeted management.