STRABISMUS(CROSSED EYES); CAUSES AND TREATMENT| SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi

Dr Ss on
A Man with strabismus (crossed eyes)| SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi

 

By Dr. Adaeze Nwoko (OD)

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes or squint, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly, causing each eye to focus in a different direction. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward, while the other looks straight ahead. Though it’s often diagnosed in children, adults can also develop strabismus due to trauma, neurological conditions, or uncorrected vision problems. Early diagnosis and treatment by a qualified optometrist at SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi is crucial to protect vision and prevent complications like lazy eye or double vision.

Types of Strabismus

  • Esotropia – Eye turns inward

  • Exotropia – Eye turns outward

  • Hypertropia – Eye turns upward

  • Hypotropia – Eye turns downward

Signs & Symptoms

  • Eyes not pointing in the same direction

  • Double vision (diplopia)

  • Reduced vision in one eye

  • Poor depth perception

  • Eye strain or headaches after reading or screen time

How It’s Diagnosed at SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi

At SpecSMART Ikoyi, our optometrists perform a series of modern diagnostic tests:

  • Visual acuity test (with and without lenses)

  • Cover test (to assess eye movement and alignment)

  • Direct ophthalmoscopy

  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

  • Neurological imaging (MRI/CT) if needed

Who Is at Risk?

  • Children with a family history of strabismus

  • Adults with stroke, brain injury, or diabetes

  • Patients with lazy eye (amblyopia)

  • People with poor vision in one eye

  • Neurological or retinal disorders

Causes of Crossed Eyes

In Children (Infantile Strabismus):

  • Often idiopathic (unknown cause)

  • Sometimes due to birth trauma

In Adults:

  • Long-standing uncorrected refractive errors

  • Impaired eye nerves or muscles

  • Stroke, cerebral palsy, or brain injury

  • Physical trauma to the eye or brain

Causes of Strabismus

In Children:

  • Idiopathic (no known cause)

  • Birth trauma

In Adults:

  • Stroke or head trauma

  • Diabetes-related complications

  • Uncorrected refractive errors

  • Nerve or muscle damage in the eye

Treatment Options at SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi

Our optometrists in Ikoyi offer personalized, evidence-based care:

  • Corrective lenses: Glasses or contacts (sometimes with prisms)

  • Orthoptic therapy: Eye muscle exercises

  • Patching: To treat amblyopia

  • Surgical referral: For severe or unresponsive cases

Conclusion

Strabismus is treatable—but the earlier it’s detected, the better the outcome. At SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi, our experienced optometrists are equipped to assess and manage both pediatric and adult strabismus using advanced diagnostic tools and personalized care plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is strabismus?
A: A condition where the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions.

Q: Can adults develop strabismus?
A: Yes. Causes include trauma, diabetes complications, and neurological issues.

Q: Is surgery always required?
A: No. Many patients improve with non-surgical treatments like lenses or vision therapy.

Q: Can strabismus lead to vision loss?
A: If untreated, it may cause amblyopia (lazy eye) and reduced vision in one eye.

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Specsmart Ikoyi – Optometrist & Eye Care

  • Address: Ikoyi Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos.

  • Phone: 0701 820 7486

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 Looking for a trusted optometrist in Ikoyi? Book a comprehensive eye exam today at SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi and receive world-class care for strabismus and other vision concerns.