Strabismus (or squint) and amblyopia are common among young age group. They may seriously affect children’s vision development.
Strabismus, if present in large part of childhood, may lead to amblyopia, loss of depth perception. Adults may have double vision. It is easier to be noticed because the misalignment of the eyes may be quite apparent in some patients. However, a small magnitude or intermittent strabismus can easily be missed upon casual observation. For young kids, eye health checkup by ophthalmologist is a good way to rule out the possibility.
Strabismus happens when the extraocular muscles controlling eye movements are not balanced due to unbalanced development or nerve problems. Since it cause misalignment when looking at an object, patient can’t have normal visual acuity in one or both eyes so amblyopia may present.
Also, amblyopia may cause strabismus. If a great difference in clarity occurs between the images from the right and left eyes, input may be insufficient to correctly reposition the eyes. Other causes of a visual difference between right and left eyes, such as asymmetrical cataracts, refractive error, or other eye disease, can also cause or worsen strabismus.
Unlike the easy diagnosis of strabismus, amblyopia in younger kids may be neglected due to lack of subjective expression from the child. Parents with the awareness may observe child’s eye using habit. Being alert and pick up signs like always tilting head when focusing on TV or book. A visit to ophthalmologist is most helpful.
