Pediatric Vision Care
Crossed Eyes (Strabismus)
Strabismus is misalignment of the eyes, where one turns in, out, up or down while the other fixates. Untreated it commonly leads to amblyopia, because the brain suppresses the image from the misaligned eye.
Strabismus is usually visible, which makes it one of the few childhood eye conditions parents notice themselves. An eye that turns inward, outward, up or down while the other looks straight ahead is the classic presentation.
It can be constant or intermittent, and intermittent strabismus is easily dismissed because it appears mainly when the child is tired or unwell. It still needs assessing.
The consequence of leaving it is amblyopia. Two misaligned eyes send the brain two different images, which would produce double vision, so the brain suppresses one. Sustained suppression stops the pathway for that eye developing, and the eye becomes amblyopic on top of being misaligned.
One important caveat: many babies have intermittently crossing eyes in the first months of life, which is normal as the system develops. Persistent misalignment beyond around four months, or any misalignment in an older child, needs assessing.
Questions and answers
My baby's eyes cross sometimes. Is that normal?
In the first few months, often yes, as eye coordination develops. Persistent crossing beyond about four months, or crossing in an older child, should be assessed.
Will my child grow out of it?
True strabismus generally does not resolve on its own, and delay risks amblyopia developing. It should be assessed rather than watched.
How is it treated?
Depending on cause and type: glasses where refractive error drives it, patching or drops where amblyopia has developed, vision therapy for some convergence problems, and surgical alignment in some cases, which is co-managed with a specialist.
Is it just cosmetic?
No. Untreated strabismus commonly causes amblyopia and permanently affects depth perception, which is a functional loss rather than an appearance issue.
Talk to someone about crossed eyes (strabismus)
Appointments are scheduled two per hour, so there is time to answer questions properly. Call (480) 706-3937 or request a time online.