Strabismus
When your eyes fail to work as a team, simple daily activities like reading, driving, or even walking down the stairs can become challenging and frustrating experiences. Strabismus, commonly known as wall eyes or crossed eyes, affects the alignment of your eyes and can impact both your vision and self-confidence. This condition occurs when the muscles controlling eye movement don’t function properly, causing one eye to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other focuses straight ahead.
At Vision Source Mandan, our experienced team of optometrists understands how strabismus can affect your quality of life, and we’re here to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment options for this eye condition. With over 70 years of eye care excellence serving the Mandan and Bismarck communities, Dr. Brittany Schauer, Dr. Wayne Aberle, and Dr. Danielle Dyke offer personalized care to help you achieve better eye alignment and improved visual comfort.
Understanding Strabismus and Its Impact on Daily Life
Strabismus is a condition where both eyes cannot focus on the same point simultaneously due to improper muscle control. While some people are born with this disorder, others may develop it later in life due to injury, illness, or other factors. According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, it is estimated that 4% of the U.S. population has strabismus, making it a fairly universal condition that affects millions of Americans. The misalignment can be constant or sporadic, and it may be more noticeable when you’re tired, stressed, or focusing on close-up tasks.
This eye condition affects more than just appearance. When your eyes don’t align properly, your brain receives conflicting visual information, which can result in:
- Double vision
- Eye strain
- Difficulties with depth perception
Many people with strabismus develop suppression, where the brain disregards input from the misaligned eye to avoid confusion. Over time, this can lead to amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, where the suppressed eye becomes weaker.
Types of Strabismus and Their Characteristics
Several different types of strabismus can affect eye alignment, each with distinct characteristics. The misalignment can occur in different directions, including:
- Esotropia occurs when one eye turns inward toward the nose
- Exotropia involves an outward turn away from the nose
- Hypertropia describes an upward deviation
- Hypotropia refers to a downward turn
The timing and frequency of the misalignment also vary significantly. Constant strabismus means the eye turn is always present, while intermittent strabismus comes and goes, often triggered by fatigue, illness, or concentration. Additionally, some people have alternating strabismus, where either eye can be the one that turns.
Childhood vs. Adult Strabismus
Childhood strabismus typically develops before age six and may be related to the natural development of the visual system. Early detection and treatment are crucial during this period because the visual system is still developing and more responsive to intervention.
Adult-onset strabismus often results from medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, stroke, or head trauma. Unlike childhood cases, adult strabismus frequently causes double vision because the visual system has already matured and cannot easily adapt to the misalignment.
Treatment Options and Management Strategies
Modern strabismus treatment involves a comprehensive approach tailored to each individual’s specific needs and circumstances. The primary goals include achieving better eye alignment, eliminating double vision, and preserving or improving binocular vision when possible.
Non-Surgical Interventions
Non-surgical treatments often serve as the first line of intervention. Prescription glasses can sometimes correct strabismus caused by significant refractive errors. Prism lenses may help reduce double vision and improve alignment in some instances. Vision therapy, a structured program of eye exercises and activities, can strengthen eye muscles and improve coordination, particularly for intermittent strabismus or convergence insufficiency.
Surgical Treatments That Require Referral
For cases requiring surgical intervention, our team provides thorough evaluation and coordinates care with an eye surgeon. Strabismus surgery involves adjusting the tension and position of the eye muscles to improve alignment. While we don’t perform surgery at our practice, we work closely with credible specialists to ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your condition.
The success of your treatment depends on several factors, including the type and severity of strabismus, the age at onset, and your individual response to the intervention. Early treatment generally produces better outcomes, but significant improvements are possible at any age with proper care and dedication to the treatment plan.
Vision Source Mandan’s Comprehensive Strabismus Care
At Vision Source Mandan, we believe every patient deserves personalized attention and comprehensive care for their strabismus concerns. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment allows us to perform detailed assessments of eye alignment, muscle function, and visual development. We take the time to thoroughly explain your condition and discuss all available treatment options, helping you make informed decisions about your eye care.
Our practice has been serving the Mandan and Bismarck communities since 1950, building lasting relationships with patients and families who trust us with their vision needs. Dr. Schauer, Dr. Aberle, and Dr. Dyke bring decades of combined experience in diagnosing and managing strabismus, and we stay current with the latest advances in treatment through continuing education and professional development.
We also understand the necessity of ongoing monitoring and follow-up care. Strabismus management often requires regular check-ups to assess progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed. Our team provides consistent, reliable care throughout your journey, whether you’re pursuing vision therapy,
Experience Expert Strabismus Care at Vision Source Mandan
Don’t let strabismus continue to impact your daily life and confidence. Our experienced team at Vision Source Mandan provides thorough evaluations, personalized plans of action, and compassionate care to help you achieve better eye alignment and visual comfort. With our unwavering reputation for excellence and devotion to staying at the forefront of eye care technology, you can trust us to provide the highest quality strabismus management available in the region.
Whether you’re concerned about your child’s eye alignment or dealing with adult-onset strabismus yourself, we’re here to help you understand your options and find the most effective treatment approach. Our comprehensive eye care services and dedication to patient education ensure you’ll receive the support and expertise you need throughout your treatment journey. Contact us today at 701-663-0313 or visit our contact page to schedule your comprehensive strabismus evaluation.
