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Eye Care

Strabismus, or Lazy Eye

Author:

Gary Markowitz, MD

Rochester Eye Associates, P.C.

Medically Reviewed On: November 01, 2001

Introduction

Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are misaligned or are not looking at the same target at the same time. The word "strabismus" is derived from the Greek word "strabismos", which means, "to squint". Many patients with strabismus will squint on occasion, especially in bright light outdoors. It is sometimes referred to as "lazy eye" because the wandering eye appears to be lazy. Many people think that strabismus is the result of an eye muscle problem but this is usually not the case. In most instances, the eye muscles are quite healthy. The problem lies in the part of the brain that controls fusion, or keeping both eyes simultaneously directed toward the object of interest.

Types of Strabismus

Congenital strabismus is present at birth or develops within the first six months of life. If strabismus develops after six months of life, it is considered to be acquired strabismus. Some forms of strabismus are the result of abnormally functioning eye muscles, or nerves that stimulate an eye muscle; this is known as paralytic strabismus because a muscle is believed to be paralyzed. There are also medical conditions that can cause an eye muscle to be too tight or restricted, causing restrictive strabismus. Some people are born with a special form of strabismus that results from unique eye muscle, or eye muscle nerve abnormalities. If an eye is crossed inward toward the nose, esotropia exists. If an eye is turned away from the nose (toward the ear), exotropia exists. If an eye is turned upward or downward, a hypertropia or hypotropia, respectively, exists.

Who Gets Strabismus?

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