Introduction
Strabismus commonly known as crossed eyes or squint, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly, pointing in different directions, One eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward, It is one of the most common eye disorders in children, and early detection is essential to prevent long-term vision problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye) or depth perception issues, In this article, we’ll explore the causes of strabismus in children, how to identify early signs, and the advanced treatment options available in Dubai for restoring proper eye alignment and visual balance.
What is strabismus?
Strabismus occurs when the muscles controlling eye movement are not working together correctly, Each eye has six muscles responsible for movement, and they must coordinate perfectly to focus on a single point, When the muscles don’t work in sync due to nerve, muscle, or brain control issues, the eyes may misalign, leading to double vision or the brain suppressing one eye’s image.
Main causes of strabismus in children
There are several causes of strabismus in children, and understanding them helps guide proper diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, the condition is present at birth (congenital), while in others, it develops during early childhood.
- Genetic Factors:
Family history plays a major role. If a parent or sibling has strabismus, a child’s risk increases significantly. - Abnormal Muscle or Nerve Development:
Problems in the eye muscles or the nerves that control them can cause misalignment from birth or early childhood. - Refractive Errors:
Uncorrected farsightedness (hyperopia) forces the eyes to work harder to focus, sometimes causing one eye to turn inward, a condition known as accommodative esotropia. - Neurological Conditions:
Disorders that affect the brain or eye coordination, such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, can contribute to strabismus. - Vision Problems in One Eye:
When one eye sees poorly, the brain may rely on the stronger eye, causing the weaker eye to drift. - Trauma or Eye Injury:
Damage to the eye muscles or nerves after birth can also lead to misalignment.
Symptoms and early warning signs
Parents are often the first to notice something unusual about their child’s eye alignment, Common signs include: (Watch this video)
- One eye drifting inward or outward
- Squinting or tilting the head to focus
- Frequent closing of one eye
- Poor depth perception or clumsiness
- Complaints of double vision
The best center for Strabismus treatment in Dubai
At Eye Consultants Center in Dubai Healthcare City, our team of pediatric ophthalmologists and strabismus specialists is dedicated to diagnosing and treating all forms of eye misalignment in children, We use advanced diagnostic tools such as ocular motility testing, corneal light reflex tests, and digital eye alignment assessments to identify the precise cause of each case, What sets us apart is our multidisciplinary approach, combining medical, optical, and surgical expertise to provide customized care plans, Treatment may include corrective glasses, vision therapy, eye patching, or minimally invasive strabismus surgery, depending on the underlying cause and severity, Our doctors not only correct eye alignment but also focus on ensuring balanced visual development so that both eyes work together efficiently, Every child receives compassionate, patient-centered care, making their experience comfortable and reassuring from start to finish.
Conclusion:
The causes of strabismus in children vary widely, from genetic and muscular factors to neurological or visual issues, but what matters most is timely evaluation and treatment, When addressed early by a skilled pediatric ophthalmologist, most children can achieve excellent eye alignment and normal binocular vision, At Eye Consultants Center – Dubai Healthcare City, our mission is to preserve every child’s visual potential through advanced diagnostics, expert care, and long-term follow-up, Whether your child’s misalignment is mild or complex, our specialists will help guide you toward the right treatment, restoring both confidence and clear, focused vision, Book your consultation now.
