Strabismus is misalignment of the eyes. It is described by the direction of the misalignment:
- esotropia (inward)
- exotropia (outward)
- hypertropia (upward)
- hypotropia (downward)
The causes of strabismus in children and in adults are varied and include:
• A third, fourth, or sixth cranial nerve palsy
• Muscle infiltration in thyroid eye disease and idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease
• Congenital dysinnervation syndromes (e.g. Duane retraction syndrome)
• Traumatic orbital or brain injuries
Many cases can be idiopathic.
Those who are born with strabismus often develop amblyopia, a maldevelopment of vision, if left untreated.
In addition to problems with vision, strabismus affects a person’s appearance and communication because it diminishes one’s ability to make eye contact. Adults with strabismus have reported that their self-esteem, communication, driving, and reading skills have improved with successful treatment.