Crossed eyes or squint is a medical condition in which the eyes are not aligned properly. This condition is also known as Strabismus, which makes the eyes appear focusing in different directions. Crossed eyes occur when muscles associated to the eyes become weak and fail to work in coordination. This results in one eye looking either inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards.
Does your infant really have crossed eyes?
In most cases, infants and toddlers do not suffer from crossed eyes. Their eyes just appear misaligned. This may happen due to both presence of extra skin around the inner corners of the eye or the nose bridge in between the eyes is too flat to give a sense of misalignment. This condition of false misalignment of eyes is called pseudostrabismus or false strabismus. So the new mommies can keep their fears aside as this condition gradually fades away.
What should be done in case your little bundle of joy is actually suffering from crossed eyes?
False strabismus is usually gone by the time your child is around three years of age. In rare circumstances, the condition may persist then medical help becomes a definitive requirement. But there is no need to worry about it because, with early detection and prompt treatment, this condition can be successfully treated. Your child may require vision therapy, special prism lenses or a corrective eye surgery, which ensures proper vision and effective coordination between the eyes.
What are the preventive measures that can be followed to prevent the condition?
This presence of crossed eyes is found to be quite common in premature babies. So, the best that can be done to prevent the condition is to have a safe and healthy pregnancy that completes its entire term.
Share
