Commonly known as crossed eyes, strabismus is an eye condition where the eyes are misaligned. The condition can manifest in one turning outward or inward, while the healthy eye continues to focus on whatever the person is looking at.
Without proper treatment, strabismus can lead to a weakening of the affected eye, which is known as amblyopia or lazy eye. Fortunately, there are many conditions that can correct this eye disorder, including medications.
Treatment of strabismus can range from eye patches and glasses to surgery on the muscles surrounding the eyes. Doctors can also recommend certain medications to improve this condition:
These medications can also be used to address amblyopia when both conditions are present in a patient.
Strabismus and amblyopia are usually detected in childhood, which gives parents the opportunity to address eye disorders early. In this case, the prognosis of those affected is often good, as treatment preserves vision and reduces the risk of more serious complications. It must also be noted that adults with untreated strabismus can still derive benefits from undergoing treatment.