Treatment of Strabismus

Strabismus, also known as "wandering eye," is a condition where the eyes do not align when focusing on an object, disrupting binocular vision. It directly affects depth perception and clarity of vision and can lead to complications if left untreated. At the Dobrobut Clinic, experienced ophthalmologists understand the complexities and specifics of strabismus and offer comprehensive treatment options to help patients achieve maximal vision improvement.

Causes and Development of Strabismus

Strabismus can occur in both children and adults for various reasons. Understanding the mechanisms of its development is crucial for prevention and treatment.

Causes of Strabismus

Genetic factors: If a parent or relative has this issue, the likelihood of developing it in children increases.
Muscle imbalance: The six muscles controlling eye movements may develop unevenly, causing a disparity that leads to misalignment of the eyes.
Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia): Significant differences in visual acuity and perception between the eyes, for example, when one eye is nearsighted and the other is farsighted, can cause the brain to favor the better-seeing eye, leading to strabismus.
Neurological disorders affecting eye movement control, such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, can increase the risk of developing strabismus.
Head injuries affecting eye coordination.
Hormonal changes in adolescence or during pregnancy may occasionally affect the development of strabismus.

Development of Strabismus

In children: Strabismus may be present from birth or appear early in life when the visual system is still forming, and deviations in eye muscle function can lead to the rapid development of strabismus.

In teenagers and adults: It can occur due to changes in physical or emotional state, worsening vision, or after injuries affecting eye coordination.

Stress, fatigue, or visual strain can sometimes exacerbate the symptoms of strabismus.

Symptoms of Strabismus

Common signs include:

Uneven eye alignment, where one or both eyes may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward.
Double vision.
Difficulties with depth perception and assessing distances.
Eye strain or fatigue and discomfort from trying to focus.
Avoidance of eye contact.

When to See a Doctor

It's important to visit an ophthalmologist if strabismus signs are observed in a child or adult difficulties with focusing, increased eye fatigue, or a family history of similar cases. Early diagnosis and intervention help to restore vision quickly and prevent complications.

Diagnosis

Modern diagnostic techniques used in the ophthalmology department of "Dobrobut" increase accuracy and allow for a comprehensive assessment of eye position and function.

Diagnosing strabismus involves:

Comprehensive eye examination, including initial assessment and measurement of visual acuity and functions affected by strabismus.
Basic tests with covering one eye and observing the movement of the other, alternating eye closure.
Synoptophore: A specialized tool used for assessing binocular vision and eye alignment, helping ophthalmologists measure the degree of strabismus, evaluate depth perception, and assess eye cooperation, also used in therapeutic exercises for eye muscle training.
Computerized eye movement analysis: Modern visualization technologies like video tracking systems that can provide an accurate assessment of eye movements, positions, and their responses to various visual stimuli.
Checking the range of eye movement relative to each other, their coordination, and evaluating the function of all eye muscles.

Treatment of Strabismus

The treatment plan depends on the type, severity, underlying causes, and age of the patient.

Modern treatment at Dobrobut in Kyiv includes both non-surgical and surgical methods:

Non-surgical treatment:

Correction of refractive errors with glasses or contact lenses. Properly fitted corrective aids can be the first stage of treatment and reduce strabismus.
Prismatic glasses may be prescribed to adjust the direction of light entering the eye, helping align object perception in patients with double vision.
Orthoptic treatment, including exercises to improve eye coordination, visual information processing, and the interaction between the two eyes, often involves the use of a synoptophore and other training devices.
Botulinum toxin injections in active eye muscles for temporary weakening may be beneficial when surgery isn't an option.

Surgical treatment is indicated if conservative methods don't provide sufficient correction. Surgery for strabismus involves adjusting the length or position of eye muscles for proper alignment, usually performed using minimally invasive techniques under general anesthesia, allowing for quick and effective vision restoration.

Combining surgical and non-surgical methods often offers the best results, especially for complex forms of strabismus.

Treatment of Strabismus in Children in Kyiv

Treating strabismus in children is crucial, as early intervention can significantly affect the development of the child's vision. Regular eye examinations ensure timely diagnosis, and careful monitoring for possible signs of strabismus in children is necessary.

An individual treatment plan in childhood typically includes a combination of glasses, prismatic lenses, and device therapy tailored to the child's specific needs, achieving comprehensive improvement in eye coordination and muscle strength.

If conservative methods don't yield the desired result over time, surgery is performed to realign the eyes and improve visual functions.

Prevention

Preventing strabismus isn't always possible, but risk reduction is achievable with certain measures recommended by doctors:

Regular eye check-ups for early detection of vision problems, especially with a family history of such issues.
Prompt correction of refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia) with contact lenses or specially fitted glasses.
Eye care: taking breaks during computer work or other gadget use, reducing screen time, eye exercises, and hygiene.

Strabismus affects people of all ages and can significantly impact vision and quality of life. Dobrobut's ophthalmologists have specialized training in diagnosing and treating strabismus, using modern methods and the latest technologies, including the synoptophore for assessment and therapy.

You can schedule a consultation via the website form or by calling the contact center.