Strabismus

It's never too late to treat strabismus

Strabismus is defined as a misalignment of the eyes.

There are several types, but the two most common types are Esotropia (where an eye turns inward, toward the nose) and Exotropia (where an eye turns outward, toward the ear).

When both eyes are not pointing at the same object at the same time, the individual may experience double vision.  More likely, however, the brain will ignore the information from one eye.  When the brain is only receiving images and a signal from one eye, the brain lacks binocular vision.  That matters, because binocular vision (both eyes working together) is really important. 

Without binocular vision, you may experience:

 

  • Reduced depth perception
  • Poor spatial localization (where your brain perceives an object in space)
  • Headaches due to visual stress
  • Self-esteem issues due to appearance of “crossed eyes” or “wandering eyes”
  • Visual processing problems
  • Reduced visual acuity in the eye that turns, which can lead to amblyopia, (or a “lazy eye”)
Esotropia
Exotropia

There is no “critical period” in working with strabismus and/or amblyopia, so it’s never too late to start vision therapy.  Even if eye surgery has already been performed, visual function can be improved.

Strabismus is defined as a misalignment of the eyes.

There are several types of Strabismus.  The two most common types are: Esotropia where an eye turns inward towards the nose and Exotropia where an eye turns out towards the ear.

Esotropia
Exotropia

When both eyes are not pointing at the same object at the same time, the individual may experience double vision.  More likely, however, the brain will ignore the information from one eye.  When the brain is only receiving images and a signal from one eye, the brain lacks binocular vision.  That matters, because binocular vision (both eyes working together) is really important. 

Without binocular vision, you may experience:

 

  • Reduced depth perception
  • Poor spatial localization (where your brain perceives an object in space)
  • Headaches due to visual stress
  • Self-esteem issues due to appearance of “crossed eyes” or “wandering eyes”
  • Visual processing problems
  • Reduced visual acuity in the eye that turns, which can lead to amblyopia, (or a “lazy eye”)

There is no “critical period” in working with strabismus and/or amblyopia, so it’s never too late to start vision therapy.  Even if eye surgery has already been performed, visual function can be improved.

Vision Therapy is a non-surgical treatment that retrains the eyes and brain to work together.

But what about surgery or patching?

Surgery or patching are common treatments for strabismus, but the latest neuroscience says that vision therapy is even better.

Why?  Surgery only treats the cosmetic elements of strabismus.  It does not restore binocular vision—leaving a person lacking depth perception.  Even if the eyes are straightened cosmetically after surgery, the brain can continue to use only one eye at a time, cause double vision, or the eye can turn again—which is often the reason multiple surgeries are performed.

Patching is only working to improve one eye at a time.  Typically, regression will occur because you are not training both eyes to work together, also creating a lack of binocular vision.

Vision therapy can improve binocular vision and depth perception along with other functional vision skills in addition to cosmetic improvements.  That makes vision therapy a lasting, effective, non-surgical treatment resulting in more comfortable and efficient vision.  This is a big deal.

The compassionate, qualified staff at Minnesota Vision Therapy Center have extensive experience effectively treating strabismus with proven exercises and techniques.

strabismus

Does vision therapy work?

Research has shown over and over again that vision therapy is an effective treatment for strabismus. We want patients (or their parents) to explore all options and make an informed decision, so we’ve compiled links to a wealth of research so you can dive in as deep as you want.

Looking for guidance and support?  We’re always here to answer questions. We’re passionate about improving the lives of the people and families we work with. That means being here to support you on every step of this journey, making it as simple and comfortable as possible.

Overwhelmed?  We get it.

This is a lot to take in.  (Most life-changing things usually are.)  Every journey starts with a single step, your first step is to schedule an evaluation.