Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other turns in a different direction. This misalignment can cause vision problems and affect depth perception. Thankfully, with the right treatment and care, strabismus can be managed effectively. In this article, we will explore strabismus management in Dubai, outlining the causes, symptoms, and available treatments.
What is Strabismus?
Strabismus occurs when the muscles controlling eye movement are not balanced. This leads to one eye drifting out of alignment. It is a condition that can appear in both children and adults. In some cases, the misalignment is constant, while in others, it may come and go.
Strabismus can cause double vision, poor depth perception, and even vision loss if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the condition and preventing further complications.
Causes of Strabismus
Strabismus can be caused by several factors. In most cases, it is related to problems with the muscles that control eye movement. These muscles may not work together properly, leading to misalignment. Here are some common causes:
- Genetics: Strabismus can run in families, and children with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it.
- Neurological Issues: In some cases, strabismus is linked to problems in the brain or nervous system, which affects the signals sent to the eye muscles.
- Injury: Trauma to the head or eyes can cause damage to the muscles or nerves, leading to strabismus.
- Eye Conditions: Conditions such as cataracts or severe refractive errors can also contribute to strabismus.
- Premature Birth: Babies born prematurely are at higher risk of developing strabismus due to incomplete development of their visual systems.
Symptoms of Strabismus
The symptoms of strabismus are usually easy to spot. The most obvious sign is the misalignment of the eyes, where one eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards. Other symptoms include:
- Double vision: Seeing two images instead of one.
- Squinting: Closing one eye to focus or avoid double vision.
- Head tilting: Tilting the head to try and align the eyes.
- Poor depth perception: Difficulty judging distances or spatial relationships.
- Eye strain: Frequent headaches or tired eyes, especially after focusing on something for a long time.
If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent long-term vision problems.
Diagnosing Strabismus
Diagnosing strabismus involves a thorough eye examination. An eye doctor will assess the alignment of the eyes and check for any underlying conditions that could be contributing to the misalignment. The eye examination may include:
- Visual acuity tests: To measure how clearly you can see.
- Refraction tests: To check for any refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Ocular alignment tests: To observe the movement and alignment of the eyes.
- Dilated eye exam: To examine the inside of the eyes for any structural issues.
After a diagnosis is made, the eye doctor will develop a customised treatment plan to manage the condition.
Treatment Options for Strabismus in Dubai
The treatment for strabismus depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. The goal is to improve eye alignment, restore proper vision, and prevent long-term issues. Here are some of the most common treatment options:
1. Glasses or Contact Lenses
In cases where strabismus is caused by refractive errors, wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses can help align the eyes. This is often the first step in managing the condition, particularly in children.
2. Prism Lenses
Prism lenses are special lenses that can help reduce double vision by bending light in a way that helps align the eyes. They can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
3. Vision Therapy
Vision therapy is a series of exercises designed to improve the coordination and control of the eye muscles. It is often used to treat strabismus in both children and adults. These exercises can strengthen the eye muscles and help the eyes work together more effectively.
4. Eye Patching
Eye patching is a common treatment for children with strabismus. The stronger eye is covered with a patch to force the weaker eye to work harder. This can help improve the vision in the weaker eye and reduce the misalignment over time.
5. Surgery
In more severe cases of strabismus, surgery may be required. The surgery involves adjusting the muscles around the eye to improve alignment. While surgery is often very effective, it is usually recommended only when other treatments have not worked.
Post-Treatment Care
After treatment for strabismus, regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor progress. In some cases, additional treatments may be needed to fully correct the condition. Vision therapy or eye patching may be continued after surgery to ensure the best results.
Maintaining good eye health is also essential. Regular eye exams will help to detect any changes in vision or eye alignment. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure your prescription is up to date.
Preventing Strabismus
While not all cases of strabismus can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Regular Eye Exams: Make sure to have regular eye check-ups, especially for children. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- Protective Eyewear: Wearing protective eyewear during sports or other activities can prevent injuries that could lead to strabismus.
- Treat Vision Problems Early: If you or your child has refractive errors, get them corrected as soon as possible to avoid complications like strabismus.
Conclusion
Strabismus can have a significant impact on your vision and quality of life. However, with the right management and treatment, it is possible to improve eye alignment and restore proper vision. Whether through glasses, vision therapy, or surgery, there are a variety of effective treatments available in Dubai.
At Dr. Qasim Qasem’s clinic, we specialise in comprehensive strabismus management. With expert care and advanced treatment options, we are here to help you achieve better eye health. Book your consultation today!