Crossed eyes or double vision
What is strabismus?
Strabismus, also known as ‘crossed eyes’, is a vision disorder whereby the eye movements do not line up in the same direction. Sometimes, the sharpness of vision is not the same in the two eyes. Mostly, one eye is noticeably different. The eye affected by strabismus may look inwards, outwards or even up or down. Essentially, the balance between the two eyes is disrupted.
Strabismus appears mainly in children and begins soon after birth or a bit later. As an adult, you can also develop strabismus after an accident, a nerve disease or a stroke.
Treatment of strabismus
If you want have your child’s eyes ‘corrected’, you can opt for an operation for strabismus. As an adult, you can also opt for this operation on the eye muscle. It is important to know that this procedure is intended to shorten or move your eye muscles, so that your eyes are once again the same. With this procedure, only the eye muscles are treated, and so your visual acuity will not improve as a result. Often, one operation is enough to improve the eye position, but sometimes several operations are needed to achieve an optimal result.
The procedure
An operation for strabismus is performed under anaesthetic in the operating theatres of our eye centre. The parent or guardian can stay with the child until he or she is under anaesthetic.
Normally, the patient feels very little pain in the eyes after the operation and in principle can do everything. A week after the operation, we schedule a check-up with the orthoptist.
How much does an operation for strabismus cost?
During the consultation, we will explain the costs of your specific treatment. This treatment is covered by medical insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is strabismus and what are the causes in children and adults?
Strabismus is an eye condition in which the coordination of eye movements is disturbed. The affected eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. In children, strabismus can appear shortly after birth or later during childhood. In adults, strabismus may develop after an accident, a neurological disease, or a brain hemorrhage.
How is strabismus surgery performed and what are the experiences in adults?
During strabismus surgery, the eye muscles are shortened or repositioned so that the eyes are properly aligned again. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia at Medipolis Eye Center. In many cases, one surgery is sufficient, although multiple procedures may sometimes be necessary. After the operation, patients usually experience little pain, and a follow-up appointment with the orthoptist takes place about one week later.
Is double vision dangerous and when should you see an eye doctor?
Sudden double vision can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as a neurological disease or a brain hemorrhage. In that case, you should contact your eye doctor immediately. Double vision can also be a symptom of strabismus, a condition in which the balance between both eyes is disturbed. At Medipolis, the ophthalmologist can determine which treatment is needed.