•Dr Priscilia Imade
Strabismus refers to a condition where the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent, affecting one or both eyes.
TYPES
The primary types of strabismus include:
1. Esotropia: One or both eyes turn inward, towards the nose.
2. Exotropia: One or both eyes turn outward, away from the nose.
3. Hypertropia: One eye is higher than the other, resulting in an upward deviation.
Complexities of Vision Coordination
Our eyes work in tandem, sending synchronised signals to the brain for seamless vision. However, in strabismus, this coordination is disrupted. The brain may receive conflicting information from each eye, leading to:
• Double vision: Seeing two images instead of one, especially when both eyes are open.
• Suppression: The brain may ignore the image from one eye to avoid double vision, leading to reduced vision in that eye (amblyopia or lazy eye).
• Depth perception issues: Difficulty judging distances accurately due to misalignment.
Causes and Risk Factors of Strabismus
Strabismus can stem from various factors, including:
1. Muscle imbalance: Weakened or overactive eye muscles can cause the eyes to deviate.
2. Nerve abnormalities: Issues with the nerves controlling eye movements.
3. Genetics: Family history can play a role in predisposing individuals to strabismus.
4. Refractive errors: Uncorrected nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can contribute to eye strain and misalignment.
Treatment of Strabismus
The management of strabismus often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including:
1. Corrective lenses: Glasses or contact lenses to address refractive errors and reduce eye strain.
2. Vision therapy: Exercises and activities to improve eye coordination and strengthen eye muscles.
3. Prism lenses: Lenses with prisms to help align images and reduce double vision.
4. Eye patching: Used in cases of amblyopia (lazy eye) associated with strabismus to promote stronger eye usage.
5. Surgery: In severe or persistent cases, surgical correction of eye muscles may be recommended to realign the eyes.
Addressing stigma and raising awareness about strabismus is important in fostering understanding and support for individuals affected by this condition. Early detection through comprehensive eye exams and timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes and prevent long-term vision complications. Promoting early detection, and advocating for comprehensive treatment gives better prognosis.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
