What Does it Mean when a Child's Eyes Cross?

If you've noticed your child's eyes crossing or turning inward, you may be wondering what it means and whether it's something you should be concerned about. Crossed eyes, also known as strabismus, is a common condition in children that can have various underlying causes. Understanding the signs, causes, and available treatments can help you address the issue and ensure your child's visual development is on the right track.
 

Understanding Crossed Eyes in Children

Crossed eyes, or strabismus, is a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned, causing them to point in different directions. This can occur in one eye (unilateral strabismus) or both eyes (bilateral strabismus). Crossed eyes are a relatively common occurrence in young children, affecting up to 5% of the population.
 

The misalignment of the eyes can happen at any time, from birth to early childhood. It's important to recognize the signs and seek medical attention if you notice your child's eyes crossing, as it can have a significant impact on their visual development and overall well-being.

Signs and Symptoms of Crossed Eyes

The primary sign of crossed eyes is the visible misalignment of the eyes. Your child's eyes may turn inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), or one eye may be higher than the other (hypertropia or hypotropia). Other signs and symptoms of crossed eyes in children include:

• Frequent eye strain or fatigue
• Headaches
• Difficulty with depth perception and hand-eye coordination
• Squinting or closing one eye to see better
• Tilting or turning the head to compensate for the misalignment

It's important to note that the degree of misalignment can vary, and some children may only experience occasional or intermittent crossing of the eyes.
 

What Causes Crossed Eyes in Children?

There are several potential causes of crossed eyes in children, including:

• Refractive errors: Children with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism may develop crossed eyes as the brain tries to compensate for the visual distortion.
• Muscle imbalance: Crossed eyes can be caused by a problem with the muscles that control the movement of the eyes, leading to a misalignment.
• Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that control the eye muscles, such as from an injury or a medical condition, can result in crossed eyes.
• Congenital conditions: Some children are born with crossed eyes due to genetic factors or developmental issues during pregnancy.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or neurological disorders, can increase the risk of developing crossed eyes.

Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment approach.
 

When to Consult an Optometrist

If you notice your child's eyes crossing, it's essential to seek medical attention from an optometrist. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as crossed eyes can have a significant impact on your child's visual development and overall well-being.
 

During the consultation, the eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to determine the cause and severity of the crossed eyes. This may include tests to assess eye movement, visual acuity, and binocular vision (the ability of the eyes to work together).
 

Exploring Vision Therapy as a Treatment Option

One of the most effective treatments for crossed eyes in children is vision therapy. Vision therapy is a non-surgical, customized program of eye exercises and visual activities designed to improve the coordination and alignment of the eyes.
 

During vision therapy, your child will work with an optometrist to perform a series of exercises and activities that target the specific issues causing the crossed eyes. The duration and frequency of vision therapy sessions can vary depending on the severity of the crossed eyes and your child's individual needs.
 

Navigating Strabismus with the Help of High5 Vision Development

Crossed eyes, or strabismus, is a common condition in children that can have a significant impact on their visual development and overall well-being. By understanding the signs, causes, and available treatment options, you can take proactive steps to address the issue and ensure your child's visual health is on the right track.
 

If you've noticed your child's eyes crossing, schedule an appointment with High5 Vision Development. Early diagnosis and treatment, such as vision therapy, can make a significant difference in your child's visual development and quality of life. Visit our office in New Braunfels, Texas, or call (210) 507-7979 to book an appointment today.