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Strabismus

Strabismus Diagnosis and Treatment in Greenville

Strabismus is a relatively common eye condition that may be referred to as “cross-eyed” or “wall-eyed,” depending on the direction the eye points.  It is not the same as amblyopia, but it often strabismus causes this disorder.  

Child with Strabismus.

What is Strabismus?

When one eye fails to point and focus in the same direction as the other, optometrists call this strabismus.  It can occur in several forms, differentiated by the direction the eye turns, how far it turns, whether it happens all the time or only sometimes, and whether it affects one or both eyes.

  • Exotropia, Hypertropia and Hypotropia describe eye movement toward the nose, away from the nose, up, and down, respectively.
  • Small-angle strabismus means that the eye turns only a little and may not be detectable without an eye exam.
  • Large-angle strabismus means that the eye turns considerably and is usually obvious.
  • Intermittent strabismus occurs occasionally, while constant strabismus happens all the time.
  • Unilateral strabismus occurs only in one eye, but alternating strabismus occurs in both eyes at different times.         

Strabismus occurs because of problems with the visual system.  However, these problems may be in either the eye muscles or the brain.  It is normal for some degree of strabismus to be present in infants, while the visual system is still developing.  If a child looks "cross-eyed" or "wall-eyed" after six months of age, he or she should certainly be evaluated.

If strabismus remains untreated, the brain will compensate in some way.  Often, it compensates by ignoring the visual input from the misaligned eye.  This can cause a condition called amblyopia, or “lazy eye” if the strabismus occurs before approximately nine years of age. Amblyopia describes markedly reduced vision in one eye that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Intermittent or alternating strabismus is less likely to cause amblyopia because the brain receives sufficient normal vision from both eyes most of the time.

How Do Eye Doctors Treat Strabismus?

Eye doctors screen patients for strabismus because the earlier that treatment is started, the more effective it is.  There are two common treatment methods for strabismus: surgery and vision therapy.  Sometimes, both types of eye care are used in combination.  

A few children may develop strabismus because they are overcompensating for a large farsighted glasses prescription.  Glasses or contacts are usually the treatment of choice in these cases.

Surgery for strabismus targets the six muscles that control eye movement.  This type of treatment focuses on correcting the physical problems associated with the condition.  

Vision therapy may be used as a way of retraining the brain, either on its own or in combination with surgery.  Minor cases of small-angle strabismus are most likely to improve with vision therapy but without surgery.

Strabismus Screening and Treatment at Carolina Vision Care in Greenville, NC

Carolina Vision Care offers comprehensive screening and treatment for many kinds of visual disorders, and we believe that all children should receive an eye exam that is thorough enough to detect problems like small-angle strabismus.  In fact, regular eye care is important for everyone.  To schedule an appointment with us, contact us at (252) 752-4380.

Locations

Office Hours

Medical District Location: 1804 W. Arlington Blvd

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

FireTower Location: 915 E FireTower Rd, Suite 108

Monday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Closed for Lunch: 12-1pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Closed for Lunch: 12-1pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Closed for Lunch: 12-1pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Closed for Lunch: 12-1pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Closed for Lunch: 12-1pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "My experience with Carolina Vision Care is always great. The personnel there is very professional and very friendly, helpful in any way."
    - Georgia L.
  • "I moved to Greenville in May and I was just going to go back to my old eye doctor but I decided to try this place out. I must say my experience was great. From when I walked in the staff was cheerful and happy. I had a lady take me back for the pre-exam part and she was such a sweetheart ! Then the eye doctors daughter who is also the contact lady was sooo nice and made me feel at home! Amazing, amazing place!"
    -Jennifer L.