Have you ever had a friend tell you they find your crossed eyes "adorable"? Or maybe one of them drifts off to the side when you're not paying attention? Fear not, for crossed eyes, or strabismus as they are medically known, are more common than some might think. In fact, approximately 4% of adults worldwide have this condition.
So why do our eyes cross? Is it due to poor vision, muscle issues, or just plain genetics?
The Anatomy of Strabismus
To understand strabismus and what causes it we need first to understand how our eye muscles work together. Our brains process signals from both eyes that help differentiate between colours and perceive depth accurately. Each eye is directed by six extraocular muscles responsible for moving them in different directions while keeping them aligned.
When these muscles don't work correctly, one or both eyes can move outwards (exotropia) or inwards (esotropia), giving us crossed-eyes. Rarely does someone develop strabismus past being an infant since those having difficulty controlling their eye movements consult optometrists early on.
## Cross-Eyed Risk Factors
Although borderline unnoticeable at times or fixated with a quick corrective blink we manage with time; however several instances can cause exotropia and esotopia later:
Neurological Issues
Those affected by neurological problems that make it harder to control voluntary bodily functions such as Multiple Sclerosis could develop double vision which leads eventually into a weaker focus in one eye causing visual impairments long term unless treated early on.
Developmental disabilities
Developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy give children who sometimes also suffer from neurological conditions higher risk for developing strabismus eventually leading long-term visual impairment despite interventions'.
### Genetics
Strong genetic factors may lead to crossed eyes as well, making one more prone to this eye condition.
## Symptoms of Strabismus
Several tell-tale signs indicate a person may have strabismus:
- Misaligned eyes
- Double vision for adults
- Eyes failing to work in unity
- Depth perception difficulties & coordination
If you experience any symptoms listed above and are unsure about whether or not you suffer from strabismus. Book an appointment with your optometrist to get clarity around our next steps intellectually laced behind the science we need professional advice too.
So What Can Be Done To Treat Crossed-Eyes?
Thanks to medical advances, there are several treatments that those living with strabismus can pursue if they want their cross-eyed troubles free lives back!
### Corrective Lenses
Depending on an individual's situation, wearing eyeglasses can fix most cases of esotropia. In some instances, contact lenses may be prescribed instead.
Surgery
Most commonly conducted for children aged between six months and four years when treatment is analyzed case by case at earliest ages possible because there's little chance corrective action will improve afterwards.Opthalmic surgery is known as "strabismus surgery" because unlike general anesthesia covering whole body use local anesthesia applied topically in mucous membranes only as muscles relaxants requiring minimal out-patient care.
The correction is aimed at tightening or loosening specific muscles in the affected areas allowing them maximum flexibility after healing upon returning home! A consultation with your optometrist should hopefully help paint clearer pictures on which solutions would better fit multiple diagnosed conditions before going under specialized procedures like orthoptic assessments where ocular motility issues analyze further.
Vision Therapy Comparisons
Vision therapy involves undergoing exercises designed to strengthen visual basic skills while improving eyesight capabilities that benefit both children/ adult patients alike; most sessions occurring once weekly then later spaced apart over several months. It's beyond what normal lenses/screens can achieve – which only address the symptoms of strabismus.
Infants and toddlers have visual development exercises designed to develop their binocular vision while older children sometimes play games intended for working on the basic cues needed to promote healthy binocular vision through prisms gradually manipulating angles over time.
Adults struggling with reading impairments or headaches due to computer screen exposure could find specialists graduate these programs into more extensive versions that require less concentration, but still helpful all around. However, for adults needing immediate relief from ocular migraines induced by too much screen-time may opt-out prescription contact lenses as an alternative in bright daylight hours subjectible between a contrasted spectrum range.
Botulinum Toxin A
Under certain circumstances, such as when surgery is not a viable option practitioners occasionally administer Botox shots directly into eye-muscles treating temporary exotropia cases where corrective measures failed.Good choices in clothes always help us feel better about our bodies; however adapting new lifestyles habits cure most health-related ailments if given enough effort underway!
Conclusion
While crossed eyes may be embarrassing at times - rest assured you're among millions also experience this condition. Fortunately, there are various ways through which it could be treated gained insight in today’s piece! How exciting right? Studies have shown vision therapy may serve as more sustainable long-term decisions accommodating various age brackets without being invasive surgical options leaving one contemplative weighing pros and cons just like any other major life-changing decision needs deep-rooted reflection first before diving head-first!
In hindsight reflections leading us back towards achieving independence thrives on good body image enhancing our overall sense of self-worth so yes corrective devices gadgets aid swift recovery yet mental agility stems internally within ourselves unlocking answers positively turning perception around little-by-little increments finally bringing forth those tall radiant postures hidden within each of us waiting patiently until they shine again naturally - did you ever have braces before? The key we need to unlock lies within a balanced mix of cellular biology and psychological strength consistently relying on self-motivation despite all odds - nothing is impossible!