Strabismus Therapy in Manlius and Syracuse, NY

In normal vision development, the eyes align symmetrically and work together to point in the same direction. The six eye muscles that control eye movement coordinate to keep the eyes aligned and produce a clear image of our surroundings for the brain. Misalignment of the eyes creates vision deficiencies and limits a person’s visual abilities. This condition is called strabismus, also known as crossed eyes, wall eyes, or eye misalignment.

The team of certified optometrists at Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C., provides comprehensive vision services and professional care to patients dealing with vision impairments due to ocular diseases and disorders, including strabismus. Our approach to strabismus treatment includes vision therapy under the supervision of trained professionals. Discover more about this condition and the quality of care synonymous with our optometry practice in Manlius and Syracuse, NY.

What Is Strabismus?

Strabismus is a visual disorder in which a person’s eyes point in different directions. Eye misalignment can occur in several ways, such as one eye deviating inward (esotropia) toward the nose, or outward (exotropia), while the other eye remains straight. Eye misalignment can also occur vertically (hypertropia).

Strabismus is one of the most common eye conditions in adolescents, affecting 2 to 4 percent of children. While the condition is more commonly found in children, adults can also experience strabismus. Ocular misalignment in adults most commonly happens due to a stroke, concussion, and physical head trauma.

Strabismus Symptoms and Eye Misalignment Causes

Strabismus requires diagnosis from a qualified medical professional. The doctor will administer a series of examinations to determine the severity of the condition and potential causes. Doctors will also look at a patient’s symptoms, which can include:

• Misaligned eyes: The most obvious sign of strabismus is eyes that don’t look in the same direction or move together.
• Double vision: Seeing two images of the same object can be a symptom of eye misalignment.
• Difficulty reading: Having a set of eyes that don’t point in the same direction can make it difficult to read or follow along.
• Eye strain and headaches: Vision impairments related to strabismus often cause eyestrain, which leads to headaches.
• Head tilting: People with strabismus may tilt their heads or turn slightly to get a better look at something.
• Closing one eye: Strabismus can cause individuals to close one eye when looking at something nearby or in bright light.
• Blurred vision: Blurry vision can be a symptom of strabismus.
• Bumping into things: Vision impairment due to eye misalignment can cause someone to bump into objects unintentionally.
• Loss of vision: Partial or complete loss of vision can be a symptom of strabismus.
• Lack of depth perception: Difficulty determining the distance of an object from something else may be a complication of eye misalignment.

Strabismus can happen for a wide range of reasons, such as:

• The condition can be due to muscle control issues or nerve damage. 
• Strabismus can develop when the eyes compensate for other vision problems, such as farsightedness or cataracts. 
• A traumatic brain injury or stroke can damage the structures of the brain that control the eyes and cause them to misalign.
• Strabismus can be caused by diabetes, hypertension, Graves’ disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and other conditions that affect circulation or the nervous system. 
• Tumors in the brain stem or eye can cause strabismus. 
• Weakness or palsy in the cranial nerves that control eye movement can cause strabismus.

Vision Therapy for Strabismus

Treatment for eye misalignment is possible but must start early to prevent further complications and vision loss. Strabismus can be corrected by strengthening the muscles surrounding the eye with exercises.

At Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C., we use vision therapy techniques to address strabismus. Our team conducts an in-depth eye health examination and creates a personalized care plan that addresses eye misalignment to improve visual abilities.