What Causes Strabismus? Understanding the Common Triggers of Misaligned Eyes

Strabismus, often referred to as "crossed eyes" or an eye turn, is a condition where the eyes don’t line up properly. One eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, up, or down. For families in New Braunfels and the surrounding areas, recognizing the signs of strabismus early can make a world of difference in their child’s vision development.

Common Causes of Strabismus

Strabismus isn’t necessarily a problem with the eye muscles themselves but rather with how the brain controls them. The brain is responsible for coordinating the eye movements, and when there’s a miscommunication, it can lead to misalignment.

If a parent or close family member had strabismus as a child, there’s a higher chance their child may develop it as well. While genetics play a role, the severity and type of strabismus can vary from person to person.

Some children with uncorrected farsightedness strain their eyes to focus, which can lead to an eye turn over time. This type of strabismus, known as accommodative esotropia, is often seen when children are trying to read or look at something up close.

Strabismus can sometimes be linked to neurological conditions that affect eye coordination. Conditions like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or a history of head trauma may contribute to eye misalignment.

Additionally, children who experience developmental delays or suffer an eye injury may develop strabismus. The connection between the brain and the eyes is delicate, and any disruption can affect how the eyes work together.

How Vision Therapy Can Help

At High5 Vision Development, we specialize in treating strabismus with a customized vision therapy program designed to retrain the brain and eyes to work together properly. Unlike surgery, which focuses on physically aligning the eyes, vision therapy helps improve eye coordination and function by addressing the root cause of the misalignment.

Our vision therapy programs use a combination of exercises, specialized lenses, and activities that help strengthen eye teaming skills. Over time, these treatments can significantly reduce or eliminate the eye turn, improving both vision and confidence.

Personalized Eye Care for Families in New Braunfels and Beyond

We know that every child is different, and so is their treatment plan. Whether your child has been struggling with reading due to an eye turn or has been diagnosed with strabismus by an eye doctor, we’re here to provide a personalized, non-invasive approach to improving their vision. Our goal is to help kids in New Braunfels and the surrounding communities experience clear, comfortable, and confident vision—without unnecessary surgery or patching alone.

Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision

Strabismus can be more than just a cosmetic concern—it can affect how your child sees the world, learns, and interacts with others. The good news is that vision therapy can help retrain their eyes and brain to work together more effectively.

If you’ve noticed signs of strabismus in your child, contact High5 Vision Development to schedule a consultation and find out how vision therapy can help them see more clearly and comfortably. Visit our office in New Braunfels, Texas, or call (210) 507-7979 to book an appointment today.