Strabismus

Strabismus is a problem caused by one or more improperly functioning eye muscles, resulting in a misalignment of the eyes.

Normally, each eye focuses on the same spot but sends a slightly different message to the brain. The brain superimposes the two images, giving vision depth and dimension. Here’s an easy way to see how the eyes work together: hold your finger at arm’s length. While looking at your finger, close one eye, then the other. Notice how your finger changes position. Even though the images are slightly different, the brain interprets them as one.

Each eye has six muscles that work in unison to control movements. The brain controls the eye muscles, which keep the eyes properly aligned. It is critical that the muscles function together for the brain to interpret the image from each eye as a single image.

Strabismus must be detected early in children to prevent permanent vision impairment. Adults with a newly acquired strabismus problem typically see double.

There are many causes of strabismus. It can be inherited, or it may be caused by trauma, certain diseases, and sometimes eye surgery.

Depending on the type of strabismus, the ophthalmologist may elect to patch, use glasses or recommend surgery to correct the imbalance of the eye.

Please refer to the Patient Guide Before Strabismus Surgery – English or French, and the instruction Guidelines following Strabismus Repair for postoperative information.

Should you have questions regarding any information on the instructions, call the Preoperative Assessment Clinic (POAC) at 204-788-8531.