Treatment
 
Once diagnosed, strabismus (crossed eyes) is treated by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) and an orthoptist (a specialist in childhood eye problems).
 
Glasses
 
Mild strabismus that occurs as a result of farsightedness can usually be corrected with the prescription of glasses, especially if caught early. Strabismus that persists even when a child wears glasses may require correction by surgery.
 
Surgery
 
The success of strabismus surgery depends on many factors, including the direction and magnitude of the eye turn. In some cases more than one surgery may be required. Again, the earlier the surgery is performed, the more likely it is that the affected eye will develop normal visual acuity and the two eyes will function properly as a team. During surgery, the doctor loosens or tightens the muscles attached to the eye by changing their length or position. By changing the pull of the muscles this can bring the eyes back into line with each other. A child may need more than one surgery to realign the eyes and improve vision and may have to start wearing glasses after the surgery. Because early treatment is important, surgery for strabismus can be performed as early as three months of age in serious cases. The effectiveness of surgery, however, in babies younger than six months is controversial because, although rare, strabismus in infants sometimes disappears on its own as development continues. Therefore, surgery is generally performed after six months.
 
Find out more about complications relating to strabismus.

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