Strabismus in Chesterfield, MO

Strabismus is a disorder in which the eyes are misaligned and do not point in the same direction at the same time. One eye may turn in toward the nose (esotropia) or out toward the side of the face (exotropia). This condition can be caused by nerve injury, diabetes, brain tumor, stroke, or it may be present at birth. When the eyes are misaligned because of strabismus, it can cause vision problems such as double vision and loss of depth perception. West County Ophthalmology offers diagnostic testing to determine the extent of the issue and provides a variety of treatment options to help restore ideal vision. If you have strabismus in Chesterfield or O'Fallon, MO, then please contact one of our facilities to schedule an appointment.

When strabismus is diagnosed, typically the most effective treatment option is surgery. Surgery is provided to tighten or loosen muscles around the eyes so that the eyes can move more naturally. Strabismus surgery is usually performed in about 1 – 2 hours under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision to get access to your eye's muscles. Depending on the dominant direction your eye points (esotropia or exotropia), the muscles can be cut and placed in a different position on the eye or shortened to ensure tighter control of the eye. Once your procedure is complete, your vision surgeons will monitor your healing progress in a series of follow-up appointments.

Alternative treatment options that may be available include prism lenses and vision therapy. These options are typically not as successful as surgical intervention, however.

Strabismus can lead to serious vision impairment and surgery may be necessary to correct it. To learn more about this treatment option, contact the vision care professionals at West County Ophthalmology and ask for a comprehensive exam and consultation.

Can strabismus cause long-term vision problems if left untreated?
Yes, if strabismus is left untreated, it can lead to long-term vision problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye), where the brain starts ignoring the input from the misaligned eye. This can result in permanent vision loss in the affected eye. Additionally, untreated strabismus can cause difficulties with depth perception and binocular vision, making it harder to perform tasks that require precise hand-eye coordination.

How can strabismus affect daily activities?
Strabismus can significantly impact daily activities by causing double vision and poor depth perception. This can make tasks such as reading, driving, and participating in sports challenging. Individuals with strabismus may also experience eye strain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, which can affect their performance at work or school. Correcting strabismus can improve visual function and enhance the quality of life.

Can adults develop strabismus, or is it only a childhood condition?
Adults can develop strabismus as well. While strabismus is often diagnosed in children, it can occur in adults due to various factors such as nerve damage, diabetes, brain tumors, or stroke. Adult-onset strabismus can cause significant visual disturbances, including double vision and difficulty with depth perception. It is important for adults experiencing symptoms of strabismus to seek evaluation and treatment from an ophthalmologist.