Treatment of strabismus

What is squint?

Squint or strabismus is a disorder in the alignment (motility) of the eyes. It most frequently occurs in childhood, but it can also appear later in life, when it it accompanied by other illnesses of the eye. In a greater number of cases it is followed by disorders of visual acuity, that is, some form of refractional anomaly (near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism).

Signs and symptoms

It manifests as esophoria or esotropia when the eye deviates inwards, or as exophoria or exotropia when the eye deviates outwards. If the eye drifts upwards then we are talking about hypertropia, and if it drifts downwards this is called hypotropia. The disorder of the position of eyes can be periodical or constant. In children, the condition is first noticed when they are tired, when they are focusing on a specific object or when they have the flu or high temperature.

Treatment

If you notice "wandering" of the eyes it is necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible. During the doctor's checkup the size of the angle of "wandering" is measured and the existence of possible refractive anomalies, that is, the need for wearing spectacles, is determined. Early diagnosis is necessary, condsidering that the "wandering" eye does not patricipate in the process of seeing. In children, if strabismus is not detected on time and no therapy is applied, poor vision (amblyopia) develops. The "wandering" eye remains without developed vision which cannot be reestablished later. In a certain number of patients, use of corrective spectacles can lead to a satisfactory position of the eyes. Otherwise, different exercises are applied (closing of one eye, alternate closing of eyes with adhesive bandages, application of specific eye drops ...).Corrective spectacles and exercises give the best results until the age of 3, while between 3 to 5 years of age success in treatment is somewhat less. If satisfactory results are not achieved until this period, operative treatment is applied. It is of extreme importance to establish the visual function of both eyes during childhood, in order for them to remain in the adequate position after the operative procedure. In elderly persons and in children where establishment of vision did not occur, the operative treatment can only achieve temporary results. The eyes remain in the adequate position for some time after surgery, but strabismus later reappears. The operative procedure is done using general or local anesthestia, depending on the age of the patient.