There are many contributing factors which can cause strabismus in children including:
 
  • Family history
  • Genetic disorders (Down’s syndrome)
  • Prenatal alcohol or drug exposure
  • Low birth weight
  • Premature birth
  • Congenital eye defects
  • Cerebral palsy
 
Each eye has six external muscles (called the extraocular muscles) that control eye position and movement. For normal binocular vision, the position, neurological control, and functioning of these muscles for both eyes must be coordinated perfectly.
 
Strabismus occurs when there are neurological or anatomical problems that interfere with the control and function of the extraocular muscles. The problem may originate in the muscles or in the nerves or vision centres of the brain that control binocular vision.
Often genetics plays a role; if you or your spouse has strabismus, your children have a greater risk of developing it.
 
Farsightedness can also cause strabismus in children. Occasionally, when a farsighted child tries to focus her eyes in an attempt to compensate for uncorrected farsightedness, she can develop a type of strabismus called accommodative esotropia. This is where the eyes cross due to excessive focusing effort. This condition usually appears before two years of age but can also occur in later childhood. Normally, this type of strabismus can be fully corrected with the prescription of glasses or contact lenses.
 
Newborns often display intermittent crossed eyes due to incomplete vision development, but this frequently disappears as the infant grows and the visual system continues to mature. If you should notice however that your child’s eyes seem crossed or misaligned all the time, or if they seem to wander after the first couple of months, the problem could be strabismus. You should always contact your G.P. or ophthalmologist if you have any concerns.
 
Find out more about diagnosing strabismus

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