| STRABISMUS
Strabismus
(in a layperson's terms - commonly referred to as
having a 'squint' or 'cross-eyed') is a condition
in which a muscle disorder causes the eyes to point
in different directions. This condition is especially
common among young children and may be hereditary.
Normally,
the two eyes both point in the same direction, sending
nearly-identical pictures to the brain. When one eye
is turned, however, the images sent from each eye
differ substantially. When a child develops strabismus,
the brain learns to ignore the image sent from the
turned eye. Adults with this condition often experience
double-vision.
Because
the brain learns to ignore the image sent from the
turned eye in children with strabismus, a condition
known as amblyopia may result. A child with amblyopia
will suffer from reduced vision in the weaker eye.
Amblyopia can be treated by covering the strong eye
so that the brain is forced to rely upon the image
from the other eye. This can strengthen and improve
vision in the weaker eye. Early treatment for amblyopia
is essential.
Strabismus
can often be treated by prescribing special glasses
for the child. In other cases, surgery is necessary.
Surgical correction of strabismus involves the repositioning
of some of the six muscles that control eye movement.
Depending on the nature of the strabismus, both the
strong and the weak eye may require surgery.
Another
method of treatment involves the injection of a muscle
relaxant into an eye muscle. By temporarily weakening
the muscle, the strabismus is sometimes lessened or
eliminated.
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