$Unique_ID{BRK01078}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Where do Crossed Eyes Come From?}
$Subject{eyes crossed strabismus}
$Volume{F-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Where do Crossed Eyes Come From?


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QUESTION:  At first we thought the condition would pass as it had with our
other children, but a condition of crossed eyes has remained in our youngest
son.  Besides the kidding he may take from other children, we are worried
about his sight.  Can you tell us where the condition comes from and what we
can do to help him?

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ANSWER:  About two percent of all children are affected by "strabismus", which
is the medical name for crossed eyes and there are several causes that should
be considered before planning the treatment strategy.  If it was present from
birth, it may be inherited, due to a birth injury, or to problems with the eye
muscles.  If the problem arose later, it may have resulted from developing
farsightedness, neurological disease, possibly caused by high fever.
     The good news is that you are justifiably concerned about the problem,
and wish to deal with it.  Undiagnosed strabismus can cause amblyopia or "lazy
eye" syndrome, where the vision in one eye becomes weakened.  A baby should be
able to focus his or her eyes on a object held nearby by age 6 months.  When
this is recognized a full evaluation is in order.  A child with strabismus
should be examined by a doctor who specializes in eye conditions, who can
decide on an appropriate course of treatment based upon the results of the
investigations.  This may include glasses, an eye patch, medication, surgery,
or eye exercises or retraining to overcome the amblyopia, or any combination
of these.  The prognosis for normally functioning eyes is quite good
especially when treatment begins before the age of 4, although follow up may
be required until age 10.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
