Causes And Diagnoses

Causes and Diagnoses of Strabismus

There are two main causes of strabismus:

• Eye muscles that aren’t able to keep the eyes aligned
• Focusing issues, especially in those who are very farsighted, that cause one eye to turn inward or outward

Some children are born with strabismus, while in others it may take years before the problem is apparent. Most cases are identified before the age of 6.

Strabismus appears to have a genetic component. Siblings and children of someone with strabismus are at a greater risk of developing the condition. In addition, children with brain disorders, such as cerebral palsy or hydrocephalus, are also more likely to have strabismus.

In adults, strabismus is often related to unresolved alignment issues from childhood. If strabismus occurs suddenly in an adult, it could indicate a serious condition, such as a brain tumor or stroke. Know the warning signs of a stroke and seek medical attention immediately.

Diagnosing strabismus

Strabismus can usually be identified during an eye exam. Sometimes additional testing is needed to do this, including:

• Laboratory analysis of your blood
• MRI scan of the eye sockets and orbit

An accurate diagnosis of the cause of the strabismus is crucial for determining the correct treatment.