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Ophthalmologists are sure that strabismus prevents children from forming properly and, without treatment, can lead to serious consequences. Defeating the disease is not always easy, but it is quite possible. Parents need to carefully study the signs of strabismus in order to see a doctor in time and not miss the time.
What is strabismus
Strabismus is also called strabismus and heterotropia. In this case, the visual axes of the eyes are disturbed. Normally, they are parallel, so one of the obvious symptoms of strabismus is an “oblique”, asymmetrical look.
Strabismus is divided into several types: the eyes can “pull in” to the nose, or diverge to the outer corners. This is a horizontal squint. Violation can be vertical – the eyes deviate up or down.
Both eyes, or just one, may be affected. In the latter case, the child almost does not use the affected eye, so the vision in it is reduced. Alternating strabismus is less dangerous, with it both eyes mow alternately. Vision is much less affected, since each eye is still used.
Causes of strabismus in children
With strabismus, the two eyes work out of sync, inconsistently. Such a pathology can be congenital or develop early, around the age of 3 years.
At this time, the structures of the visual system are formed, volumetric, binocular vision is adjusted. And it is at such a tender age that the eyes are especially vulnerable. The child gradually increases the work of vision more and more – he begins to examine toys, draw. Because of this, the risk of strabismus increases, especially if there is another eye pathology – for example, farsightedness. Neurological problems – cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome – also increase the likelihood of developing strabismus.
Due to the imperfection of the vision system, it is vulnerable to literally everything. Strabismus can be triggered by an infection, stroke, severe stress, or a reaction to a vaccine.
Symptoms of strabismus in children
A child does not always have strabismus, even if such an impression is externally created. Many babies before 3-4 months of age have a false strabismus, which is not a problem and does not require treatment. Due to the structure of the baby’s skull, the wide bridge of the nose and the skin fold at the eyes, the illusion of a sideways glance can be created. Gradually she disappears herself.
With strabismus, there is not only a visual disturbance, but also problems with eye movement. In order to make sure that a child has true or false strabismus, a number of tests are performed by an ophthalmologist. If violations of the motor functions of the eyes are found, then we are talking about real strabismus.
Treatment of strabismus in children
Treatment of strabismus begins from the moment the diagnosis is made. If the ophthalmologist says that you need to wait or you can not treat at all (in case the strabismus is true), you should go for a consultation with a couple of other specialists.
Already from 5 months, you can select special glasses for the child, if they are required. Yes, and other activities are not prohibited. Strabismus is always treated in a complex way, even if a decision is made about the operation – only it will not be enough.
The doctor can choose the mode of occlusion for the child – specially seal the eye, which sees well, so that the victim also trains. Glasses are selected, special exercises, if necessary, an operation is performed.
Diagnostics
Because strabismus is not always born and can be acquired later, check-ups with a pediatric ophthalmologist should be regular. This is necessary in order to identify the pathology in time, if it has begun to develop. Examinations are usually held at 2, 6, 12 months, and then once a year until primary school age. A child with strabismus may need more examinations.
The ophthalmologist determines the type of strabismus, the cause, and prescribes treatment. At the moment there are 25 types of strabismus, and each of them is treated in a special way.
In addition to an external examination, the doctor may prescribe examinations: to determine the visual fields, the ability of the eyes to move correctly, whether the child has retained binocular vision. They also examine the fundus, perform an ultrasound or CT scan to exclude tumors and other problems.
Modern treatments
More than two-thirds of all cases of childhood strabismus require surgery. This does not depend on the cause of strabismus, often it is not possible to cope without surgery.
The decision on this is made by a pediatric ophthalmologist, without a clear need, this will not be done. The visual system develops up to 3-4 years, it is important to ensure the symmetry of the eyes at this age, so that the brain does not have problems with the perception of the picture of the world. At a later age, it is already more difficult to do this, so operations are usually scheduled quite early.
The technique of the operation is chosen based on the type of strabismus, the degree of damage. One of the most effective modern techniques is the mathematical modeling of the operation and radio wave technology. Even before the operation, you can see how it will affect the child’s eyes, and what the result will be. Modern technologies make it possible to minimize trauma. The recovery time is very short, sometimes the child is discharged the very next day.
Prevention of strabismus in children at home
To reduce the risk of strabismus, it is important to take care of the development of the child’s eyes from birth. The nursery should be bright, well lit. To train the focus of the gaze, toys are hung over the crib at a distance of half a meter from the child’s head. The kid will examine the toys, and follow them with his eyes.
At an older age, the child begins to draw, to consider objects. Eye strain should not be allowed to avoid spasm. You need to take breaks, do not give the baby gadgets.
If strabismus does develop, it is important to understand that even surgery does not guarantee the disappearance of the problem. If after the operation you do not follow all the recommendations of the doctor, strabismus may return after a while.
Popular questions and answers
Vision is the most important of human senses. Even partially losing sight is very scary. Strabismus serves as a direct contraindication to some professions, and simply ruins life. Answered parents’ questions about strabismus ophthalmologist Svetlana Pervykh.