Understanding Strabismus: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Treatment Options
Strabismus, commonly known as “crossed eyes” or “misaligned eyes”, is a condition in which the eyes do not look in the same direction at the same time. At Casablanca Eye Center, our specialists diagnose and treat strabismus using advanced techniques to help patients—children and adults—achieve better eye alignment and improved visual function.
What Is Strabismus?
Strabismus occurs when the muscles controlling eye movement are not properly coordinated. As a result, one eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other eye focuses correctly.
This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and may affect one or both eyes.
Common Symptoms
Eyes pointing in different directions
Double vision (mainly in adults)
Eye fatigue or headaches
Difficulty focusing
Poor depth perception
Squinting or closing one eye in bright light
In children, strabismus can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if not treated early, because the brain starts ignoring signals from the misaligned eye.
Types of Strabismus
Strabismus can appear in several forms, including:
Esotropia
One or both eyes turn inward.
Exotropia
One or both eyes turn outward.
Hypertropia
One eye turns upward.
Hypotropia
One eye turns downward.
Intermittent Strabismus
Misalignment appears only at certain times—fatigue, illness, or distance viewing.
What Causes Strabismus?
Strabismus can be caused by multiple factors, such as:
Genetics (family history of strabismus)
Uncorrected refractive errors (hyperopia, myopia)
Weak or imbalanced eye muscles
Neurological conditions
Prematurity or low birth weight
Trauma or eye injury
Medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid eye disease
Diagnosis at Casablanca Eye Center
Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications.
Our experts perform a full strabismus evaluation, which may include:
Visual acuity testing
Eye alignment assessment
Refraction tests
Examination of eye muscles
Amblyopia screening in children
Our goal is to identify the exact cause and type of misalignment to create the most effective treatment plan.
Treatment Options
The treatment depends on the type and severity of the strabismus:
1. Glasses or Contact Lenses
Correct refractive errors that may cause eye misalignment.
2. Vision Therapy / Orthoptic Exercises
Improves coordination between the eyes, especially in children.
3. Eye Patching
Used when amblyopia (lazy eye) is present to strengthen the weaker eye.
4. Prism Lenses
Helps align images and reduce double vision.
5. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections
Relaxes overactive eye muscles, often used in certain types of strabismus.
6. Strabismus Surgery
For significant misalignment, surgery adjusts the strength or position of eye muscles.
It is a safe and effective procedure that can dramatically improve eye alignment and appearance.
The Importance of Early Treatment
For children, early intervention is essential to prevent permanent visual impairment.
For adults, treatment can improve both vision and appearance, helping restore binocular vision and confidence.
Clearer Vision, Better Alignment — With Casablanca Eye Center
Strabismus is treatable at any age, especially with today’s advanced diagnostic tools and surgical techniques.
If you or your child shows signs of eye misalignment, contact Casablanca Eye Center for a complete evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
