Strabismus (Crossed Eye)

What is strabismus or "crossed eye"?

Strabismus ("struh-BIZ-mus") is a misalignment of the eyes in which both eyes are oriented in different directions.

What causes strabismus?

Sometimes called “crossed-eyes” or “walleye,” strabismus often begins when a child is very young and is usually the result of a problem with neuromuscular, including brain, control of eye movement, or less often, the actual eye muscle itself.

How is strabismus treated?

If your child has strabismus, your Nemours pediatric ophthalmologist may recommend glasses, patching (wearing an eye patch over the good eye in order to strengthen the weaker eye), or in some cases, surgery to straighten the eyes. The important thing is to begin treatment as soon as possible to help improve your child’s vision.

You can find out more about strabismus and amblyopia — explained in kid-friendly language — from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth.org.