DIAGNOSIS
Seek early treatment and subject yourself to an eye examination as early as possible to prevent vision loss. Make an appointment with your ophthalmologist if you see new signs or symptoms. A series of examinations will be performed and these may include:
- Corneal light reflex test to check for cross eyes
- Visual acuity test to determine how well you can read from a distance
- Cover/uncover test to check for eye movements and deviation
- Retina exam to examine the backs of your eyes
Your nervous system will be evaluated by your health care professional if you experience other symptoms along with cross eyes. A series of examination will be conducted to check for cerebral palsy or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
If you notice that newborn babies have cross eyes, it is normal. But if it will persist up to 3 months of age, consult your physician. Babies should undergo an eye test before the age of 3.
TREATMENT
Treatment and recommendation will be planned by your ophthalmologist depending on the underlying cause of your condition and its severity. Your health care professional will recommend you to wear a patch over your stronger eye to make the muscles of your weaker eye work harder, that is, if your cross eyes are due to lazy eye syndrome. Eye drops will be also recommended to attenuate the vision of your stronger eye. To weaken the muscle of your stronger eye, Botox injections will also be prescribed.
Other potential treatments include:
- Eye exercises
- Corrective lenses, such as contact lenses or eyeglasses
- Surgery on certain eye muscles, particularly if corrective lenses haven’t corrected the condition
If your cross eyes happen to be the outcome of some underlying condition like stroke or brain tumor, your medical practitioner will recommend treatments.
