Strabismus is a disorder in which the eyes cannot focus or move simultaneously. It is fairly common in children, about half of those cases being congenital, but can also appear in adults. Although strabismus is treatable, it can take time for the treatments to take effect. What do you do in the meantime?
Symptoms of Strabismus
Until you can begin treatment, you have to deal with the symptoms that crop up. Strabismus can be rooted in the eyes’ anatomy (the intraocular muscles or the nerves can be abnormal) or in the visual center of the brain. While one eye looks at what you are intentionally focusing on, the other is offset, looking outward (exotropia), inward (esotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia).
Because of this, the brain receives two different images, which can cause problems with depth perception (how far away from you something is), double vision, or a loss of vision in the affected eye. It may be a struggle to see, particularly if you have weak vision in combination with the strabismus. People may notice that you tend to squint in an attempt to focus. You may develop headaches as a result of straining to see.
Managing Symptoms
One of the most important aspects of treating strabismus or managing the symptoms associated with it is paying a visit to the eye doctor -- and every child should have a vision screening at around three years old. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can perform a range of tests to determine exactly what is causing the strabismus and what can be done about it.
Some people are hesitant to wear glasses, finding them obnoxious or unattractive. However, not wearing the necessary corrective lenses will only make matters worse. Wearing glasses will help improve strabismus, reduce strain, and improve any associated symptoms, like headaches. Your doctor may suggest wearing an eye patch over the stronger of your eyes to give the weaker eye a sort of kick start to get it strong and straightened out. And this can be even more uncomfortable. But it’s extremely important to follow these instructions, particularly if you want to avoid surgery. Likewise, be sure to engage in any vision therapy exercises your eye doctor recommends.
Social Stigma
People with strabismus often feel embarrassed, or face ridicule and harassment. This can lead to avoiding others; it can mean years of feeling socially isolated. There are a few ways you can manage this. Find support, whether this means a support group, a friend who can relate, or seeing a psychiatrist. You may have difficulty driving a car, because of the double vision and depth perception difficulties. Sports and other fast-paced, accuracy based activities may be hard as well. Find activities that you find enjoyable -- not that make you feel worse about your eyes.
