What causes crossed eyes?

Be Eye Wise and learn that strabismus is a lack of coordination between the two eyes. This results in the appearance of misaligned eyes, sometimes referred to as “crossed eyes.” The ultimate result is that eyes cannot focus on objects correctly, and can cause double vision, vision in only one eye, or perhaps, diminished depth perception.

Most strabismus starts in childhood and often there is no clear cause. Strabismus is a vision development issue, not just cosmetic. Strabismus may be related to the need for eyeglasses, patching or surgery.

View Video

While less common, strabismus can be found in adults. Causes of strabismus in adults can be related to:

• Head or eye injury.
• Stroke.
• Diabetes.
• Eye disease.

Treating Strabismus:

Strabismus treatment depends on the cause of the misalignment and your unique needs. This may include eyeglasses (with or without prism) or patching. Some conditions may self-correct with these treatments. If this treatment is ineffective, strabismus surgery may be performed to strengthen or loosen the muscles that move the eye.

The eye alignment specialists at Northwest Eye Clinic, Dr. Parvataneni (Dr. P.) and Dr. Freeman, are two of only a few doctors in the Midwest skilled at performing strabismus surgery for both adults and children. Be Eye Wise and schedule a consultation with a Northwest Eye pediatric doctor today.