#  What is Strabismus? 

 



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 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.