Glasses or Contact Lenses

Glasses or contact lenses are often the first line of treatment, especially for children whose strabismus is the result of an uncorrected refractive error. By correcting the underlying vision problem, the eyes may naturally align better. In some cases, simply wearing the correct prescription is enough to resolve the strabismus.

Patching Therapy

Patching therapy forces the brain to pay attention to the visual input from the weaker eye, which can strengthen it over time. It’s a traditional and often very effective method, particularly for younger children, and is usually part of a broader treatment strategy that includes other therapies as well.

Pharmacological Treatments

Medications may be used temporarily to adjust muscle function or as a diagnostic tool to better understand the nature of the strabismus. For example, botulinum toxin injections can temporarily paralyze overactive eye muscles, which might help the doctor determine the best surgical approach. Atropine eye drops can be used to either adjust someone into hyperopia glasses or as an alternative to patching in very select children.

Strabismus Surgery

Surgery might involve tightening or loosening the eye muscles to change their position, which can have a dramatic impact on eye alignment. While the prospect of surgery can be daunting, it often results in a significant improvement in both the function and appearance of the eyes.

Prism Lenses

Children rarely have true diplopia (double vision), as a child’s brain quickly learns to “turn off” a deviating eye and only use one eye. While this puts a child at risk of amblyopia in the deviating eye, it does help the child to not have true double vision. However, in older children or a sudden onset of a strabismus, a child could have double vision. Prism lenses may be helpful in these cases. Special prism lenses bend the light entering the eye, reducing the need for excessive eye turning and helping to realign the visual axis. They can be a noninvasive option to provide immediate relief from symptoms like double vision. Prism lenses are the most commonly used tool for our adults with strabismus.

Orthoptic Therapy

Orthoptic therapy can be customized to each child’s specific needs and may include a variety of exercises and the use of specialized equipment. It’s usually overseen by an orthoptist or a pediatric ophthalmologist trained in these techniques.

Eye Muscle Exercises

For the majority of eye conditions, unfortunately, vision therapy has been shown to not be helpful for patients, (and in some cases scientific studies have even found vision therapy to be harmful). In one specific condition, called convergence insufficiency, however, we may recommend eye muscle exercises. These exercises can be done at home or in an optometrist’s office and are designed to gradually strengthen eye muscles. We are happy to further discuss vision therapy with any family that has questions.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments

As children grow, their vision changes, which means their strabismus treatment may need to change too. Regular checkups with an eye care professional ensure that any adjustments to their treatment plan are made in a timely manner, promoting the best visual development possible. Each treatment plan is developed with a child-centric approach, taking into consideration the child’s age, the type and severity of strabismus, and any underlying conditions. Our goal is to not only correct the eye alignment, but also to support the overall visual development and well-being of your child.

Typical Outcomes after Strabismus Treatments
Navigating the journey of pediatric strabismus can be challenging, but with early and appropriate treatment, the outcomes are often positive. Here’s what parents can typically expect:

Improved Eye Alignment

One of the primary goals of treating strabismus is to improve eye alignment. Successful treatment, especially when started early, can significantly correct misalignment, leading to a more typical appearance of the eyes.

Enhanced Vision

Treatment often leads to improved visual acuity and, hopefully, depth perception. This is particularly important for children’s overall development and daily activities like reading, playing, and participating in sports.

Reduced Risk of Amblyopia

Early intervention is crucial in preventing or treating amblyopia (lazy eye), a common condition associated with strabismus that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Boost in Confidence and Social Interaction

Correcting strabismus can have a positive impact on a child’s self-esteem and social interactions, as it alleviates any concerns related to the appearance of their eyes.

Support for Learning and Development

With improved vision and eye alignment, children may find it easier to concentrate and engage in learning activities, supporting their educational development.

Long-Term Vision Health

Ongoing management and follow-up care play a vital role in maintaining the health of your child’s eyes, ensuring they retain the best possible vision into adulthood.

Secure a Brighter Future: Schedule a Strabismus Consultation Today

Facing strabismus can be daunting, but timely and expert care is crucial. At Pediatric Eye Specialists, we understand the importance of addressing your child’s vision with both precision and empathy. Our team is ready to provide comprehensive evaluations and tailored treatments to improve your child’s eye alignment and overall quality of life.

Don’t let strabismus diminish your child’s potential. Schedule a consultation today and start the journey towards a clearer, more confident future. With our expert care, your child can achieve the best possible outcomes