Strabismus is more than just a cosmetic issue! If you notice your child has stra

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus, as the name suggests, refers to misaligned eyes. It is commonly called "crossed eyes," "wall eyes," or "wandering eyes."

Normally, both eyes focus on the same target with parallel alignment. However, in strabismus, one eye looks at the target while the other deviates, appearing misaligned.

Strabismus is not just a cosmetic issue—it can impair visual function, cause psychological distress, and negatively impact learning and daily life.

How to Detect Strabismus Early in Children?

Many cases of strabismus begin in infancy. Parents should watch for:

Eyes appearing misaligned (intermittently or constantly)

Head tilting or turning when looking at objects

Uneven eyelid width or eyes at different heights

If noticed, seek medical attention promptly.

A Simple Test for Parents:

Shine a flashlight at the child’s nose while they look straight ahead.

Cover one eye at a time and observe the reflection in the pupils.

If the reflection shifts significantly, consult a pediatric ophthalmologist.

What to Do if Your Child Has Strabismus?

Seek medical help immediately! Early treatment is crucial, especially during the critical period of visual development.

Steps include:

​Vision Assessment: Check for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism with dilated eye exams.

​Glasses Prescription: Correct refractive errors if present.

​Amblyopia Treatment: If lazy eye (amblyopia) is detected, vision therapy may be needed.

If strabismus persists despite glasses and vision correction, ​surgery may be required to realign the eyes optimally.