A Comprehensive Guide to Strabismus Correction in
San Jose, CA

Strabismus, known as crossed or misaligned eyes, is a relatively common eye condition that affects people of all ages. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent, causing one eye to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. Strabismus can affect depth perception, cause double vision, and lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if not treated promptly. Fortunately, there are effective treatment methods available for strabismus correction in San Jose, CA, that can greatly improve visual alignment and functionality.

Types of Strabismus

Esotropia

Esotropia is the most common type of strabismus. In this condition, one or both eyes turn inward, causing them to appear crossed. Esotropia can be present since birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired). There are two subtypes of esotropia:

Infantile Esotropia
Infantile esotropia occurs in children under the age of six months. It is characterized by a constant inward deviation of the eyes. It often requires early intervention, as it can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if left untreated. Strabismus correction for infantile esotropia may involve surgery to realign the eyes, followed by vision therapy to improve eye coordination and strengthen the eye muscles.
Accommodative Esotropia
Accommodative esotropia typically develops during early childhood and is associated with focusing and refractive errors, such as hyperopia (farsightedness). The misalignment occurs when the eyes try to compensate for blurry vision caused by refractive errors. Glasses or contact lenses may be prescribed to correct the refractive error and alleviate the esotropia. Vision therapy may also be recommended to improve eye-brain coordination.

Exotropia

Exotropia is characterized by one or both eyes turning outward. It can occur intermittently or constantly. Exotropia is more common in children and may be associated with certain factors such as farsightedness, weak eye muscles, or a family history of strabismus. There are two subtypes of exotropia:

Intermittent Exotropia
Intermittent exotropia refers to a condition where eye misalignment occurs only part of the time, such as when the individual is tired, daydreaming, or looking at distant objects. This type of exotropia typically does not require surgery and can often be managed with vision therapy, which focuses on improving eye coordination and strengthening the eye muscles.
Constant Exotropia
Constant exotropia is a more severe form of the condition in which the eyes are misaligned most of the time. Surgical intervention may be necessary to align the eyes properly, followed by vision therapy to reinforce eye coordination and improve binocular vision.

Hypertropia

Hypertropia is a form of vertical misalignment where one eye is higher or lower than the other eye. This type of strabismus can cause double vision and may be associated with several underlying conditions, including muscle imbalance, cranial nerve palsies, or trauma. Treatment for hypertropia usually involves surgical correction followed by vision therapy to regain binocular vision and improve eye coordination.

Your Path to Clear Vision

Strabismus correction requires an individualized approach, and the treatment plan may depend on several factors. This includes the type and severity of the misalignment, the age of onset, and the underlying cause. While surgical interventions are often necessary for aligning the eyes, vision therapy plays a critical role in improving eye coordination, strengthening eye muscles, and achieving long-term success.