Strabismus – Squinting

Welcome to our Strabismus (Squinting) Clinic at Emirates Hospitals Group, we specialize in diagnosing and treating strabismus, commonly known as squinting. Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not align properly, which can affect vision and depth perception. Our expert team provides advanced care to help manage and correct this condition.

What is Strabismus (Squinting)?

Strabismus occurs when the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. One eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and can affect both children and adults. Strabismus can lead to:

• Poor Depth Perception: Difficulty in judging distances and spatial relationships.
• Double Vision: Seeing two images of a single object.
• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Where one eye becomes weaker due to lack of use.

At Emirates Hospitals Group, our experienced eye doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating strabismus. Our ophthalmology clinic is equipped with the latest technology to provide effective solutions and personalized care. Our dedicated team ensures comprehensive management of strabismus to help improve vision alignment and overall eye health.

Symptoms of Strabismus

Common signs of strabismus include:

• Uneven Eye Position: One eye may appear to be turned in a different direction.
• Squinting or Closing One Eye: To see better or reduce double vision.
• Difficulty with Depth Perception: Problems with judging distances.
• Eye Strain or Discomfort: Complaints of eye fatigue or discomfort.

Strabismus Treatments in Dubai

Our Strabismus clinic offers a range of treatments tailored to individual needs:

• Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: To correct refractive errors that may contribute to strabismus.
• Prism Therapy: Special lenses to help align the eyes and reduce double vision.
• Eye Exercises: A program of exercises to strengthen the eye muscles and improve alignment.
• Surgical Correction: In cases where non-surgical treatments are insufficient, surgery may be recommended to realign the eyes.

Causes of Strabismus

Strabismus, or squinting, is a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned, causing them to point in different directions. The causes of strabismus can vary and may include:

• Genetic Factors: A family history of strabismus or other eye conditions can increase the risk of developing strabismus.
• Muscle Imbalance: Strabismus often results from an imbalance in the eye muscles that control eye movement. This imbalance can be due to underdeveloped or overactive muscles.
• Nerve Problems: Issues with the cranial nerves that control eye muscles can lead to strabismus. These nerve problems can be congenital or acquired.
• Refractive Errors: Conditions such as severe nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia) can contribute to the development of strabismus as the eyes may struggle to focus properly.
• Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy or stroke, can affect the control of eye movements and lead to strabismus.
• Eye Conditions: Conditions such as cataracts or retinal problems can impact the alignment of the eyes and result in strabismus.
• Injury or Trauma: Eye injuries or trauma can affect the eye muscles or nerves, leading to misalignment.
• Medical Conditions: Systemic conditions like Down syndrome or thyroid eye disease can also be associated with strabismus.
• Developmental Issues: Strabismus can develop in childhood as part of the normal visual development process, especially if there are issues with eye coordination or focusing.

Diagnosis of Strabismus

To accurately diagnose strabismus, we perform:

• Comprehensive Eye Examination: Assessing eye alignment, movement, and visual acuity.
• Binocular Vision Tests: Evaluating how well the eyes work together.
• Ocular Motility Tests: Checking the range and coordination of eye movements.

Strabismus Recovery and Follow-Up

Recovery and management involve:

• Regular Follow-Up Visits: Monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
• Adherence to Treatment: Following prescribed therapies or wearing corrective lenses as directed.
• Ongoing Support: Providing guidance and support to ensure optimal outcomes.