Strabismus: types, causes, treatment

The eyes are the window to the soul. And the soul must be beautiful. Therefore, we devote so much time to getting rid of bags under the eyes and caring for the skin around the eyes. But there are problems with which it is not so easy to cope. And one of these problems is strabismus. In addition to the fact that it delivers a lot of aesthetic inconvenience, it is also fraught with serious consequences for vision. Therefore, Estet-portal decided to figure out what to do if you have strabismus.

Strabismus is a violation of the position of the eyes relative to the symmetrical axis. That is, with strabismus, a person cannot simultaneously look at the same point in space with both eyes. This problem is both aesthetic in nature, you see, it is not very attractive for a different position of the eyes, and ophthalmological, because in most cases strabismus is accompanied by vision problems. The main symptom is the asymmetrical location of the cornea relative to the angle of the eye and eyelids. There are several varieties of strabismus, which are classified according to different parameters.

Types of strabismus

Types of strabismus are classified according to several main indicators. Thus, according to the time of manifestation of strabismus, they are divided into:
congenital strabismus (manifested immediately after the birth of a child or within six months);
acquired strabismus (mostly manifested before three years).

Further, the disease is divided into:

1. Horizontal strabismus. This type, in turn, is divided into converging strabismus (esotropia), in which the eyes or eye are beveled to the bridge of the nose, and divergent strabismus (exotropia), in which the eyes deviate outward.

2. Vertical strabismus. It appears extremely rarely. With this type of strabismus, the eye may deviate upward (hypertropia) or downward (hypotropia).

Squint is also divided into:

1. Alternating. In the presence of this type of strabismus, a person looks alternately with each of the eyes, but at the same time both eyes are open.

2. Monocular. In the case of monocular strabismus, a person looks with only one non-squinting eye. At the same time, the visual functions of the squinting eye are greatly reduced and continue to decline. Thus, amblyopia develops.

In each individual case of strabismus, one type of each indicator is involved. In addition to the above qualifications, strabismus is also divided according to its causes.

Causes of strabismus

So, based on the cause of strabismus, it is divided into:

1. Friendly. It usually occurs in childhood. Characteristic for him is the preservation of the primary and secondary angle of strabismus between the healthy and squinting eye. There is also a complete preservation of the volume of movements of the eyeballs, the absence of doubling. With concomitant strabismus, binocular vision is impaired.

2. Paralytic. It is usually the result of pathological processes that affect the oculomotor muscles, nerves and brain. As a result, the movement of the squinting eye is limited and when looking at the same object with both eyes, a feeling of doubling may occur.

Among the main causes of both congenital and acquired strabismus are:

• presence of astigmatism, farsightedness or nearsightedness;
• improper or disturbed development of the oculomotor muscles;
• Sharp decrease in vision in one eye;
• paralysis and injury;
• CNS dysfunction;
• psychic trauma and stress;
• somatic diseases.

Also, the consequences of past infectious diseases, such as measles, diphtheria, scarlet fever, and even influenza, can also be a possible cause of strabismus.

Diagnosis of strabismus

The first step in diagnosing strabismus should be a visit to an ophthalmologist. Symptoms of strabismus can be a shift of the eye to the bridge of the nose or to the corner. Often this happens in newborns, but passes by 6 months. There is also the concept of imaginary strabismus. So, parents can mistake for strabismus the features of the cut of the eyes or the size of the bridge of the nose. But over time, the bridge of the nose can change its shape and the effect of imaginary strabismus disappears.

An initial examination and visual acuity check is performed by an ophthalmologist. During the check, a complex of various tests is carried out, which help not only to determine the presence of strabismus, but also its type, in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment. In addition, computer diagnostics and binocular vision testing are carried out.

Self-diagnosis of strabismus is possible, but undesirable, since only with the help of a computer examination can final conclusions be drawn.

Correction of strabismus

After strabismus is confirmed and its type is determined, an individual treatment package is prescribed to help cope with the problem. Treatment should not be delayed, as over time, strabismus can worsen and lead to other serious vision problems. It should be started immediately after the detection of strabismus. At the same time, doctors insist that the expediency of correcting strabismus remains until the organ of vision is fully formed. On average, this occurs before the age of 25.

Despite the individuality of the prescribed treatment, in most cases the methodology and procedure of treatment is preserved:

1. Increased visual acuity. For this, adhesives are used, which are put on glasses and apparatus treatment several times a year.
2. Restoring the connection between the eyes. Conducted individually.
3. Restoring muscle balance. This is often done through surgery.
4. Restoration of stereoscopic vision.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of ways to correct strabismus. Sometimes a minor strabismus requires the wearing of special corrective glasses or contact lenses that can correct it completely. But in most cases, complex treatment is required. If non-surgical methods cannot correct strabismus within two years, then surgical intervention is included in the complex.

Surgical treatment of strabismus

As we have already said, if the non-surgical complex of treatment does not give the desired results within two years, then the doctor prescribes surgical treatment of strabismus. At the same time, non-surgical treatment does not stop, but only stops for the period of the operation.

During strabismus surgery, surgeons tighten and align the eye muscles. Thus, they correct the cosmetic defect of strabismus. At the same time, it will not correct violations of binocular vision. Therefore, after the operation, computer correction is carried out.

There are also a number of methods that contribute to the treatment of strabismus at home. Basically, these are exercises that are prescribed by a doctor depending on the age of the patient and the type of strabismus. But remember that exercise is only an adjunct to treatment.

Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that strabismus cured in childhood can return already in adulthood. Therefore, it is worth doing prevention, observing the frequency of visiting an ophthalmologist and following the recommendations prescribed by him. Estet-portal, as a preventive measure, would like to offer you the author's gymnastics for the eyes.