Crossed eyes or double vision
What is strabismus?
Strabismus, also known as ‘crossed eyes’, is a vision disorder whereby the eye movements do not line up in the same direction. Sometimes, the sharpness of vision is not the same in the two eyes. Mostly, one eye is noticeably different. The eye affected by strabismus may look inwards, outwards or even up or down. Essentially, the balance between the two eyes is disrupted.
Strabismus appears mainly in children and begins soon after birth or a bit later. As an adult, you can also develop strabismus after an accident, a nerve disease or a stroke.
Treatment of strabismus
If corrective glasses do not sufficiently correct the strabismus and you want to have your child’s eyes ‘corrected’, you can opt for an operation for strabismus. As an adult, you can also opt for this operation on the eye muscle. It is important to know that this procedure is intended to shorten or move your eye muscles, so that your eyes are once again the same. With this procedure, only the eye muscles are treated, and so your visual acuity will not improve as a result. Often, one operation is enough to improve the eye position, but sometimes several operations are needed to achieve an optimal result.
The procedure
An operation for strabismus is carried out under general anaesthetic in an outpatient ward of a hospital. The parent or guardian can stay with the child until he or she is under anaesthetic.
Normally, the patient feels very little pain in the eyes after the operation and in in principle can do everything. A week after the operation, we schedule a check-up with the orthoptist.
How much does an operation for strabismus cost?
During the consultation, we will explain the costs of your specific treatment. This treatment is covered by medical insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is strabismus and what causes it in children and adults?
Strabismus is an eye condition in which the coordination between the two eyes is disrupted. The affected eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. In children, strabismus can appear shortly after birth or during the first years of life. In adults, it may develop following an accident, a neurological disorder, or a stroke.
How is strabismus surgery performed and what are the outcomes in adults?
During strabismus surgery, the eye muscles are shortened or repositioned to restore proper alignment of the eyes. At Brussels Eye Doctors, this procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. In many cases, a single operation is sufficient, although a second procedure may occasionally be required. Post-operative pain is usually limited, and a follow-up appointment with an orthoptist takes place one week after surgery.
Is double vision dangerous and when should you see an eye doctor?
Sudden onset double vision may indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a neurological disorder or a stroke. In such cases, you should contact an eye doctor immediately. Double vision can also be associated with strabismus, a condition in which the two eyes do not work together properly. At Brussels Eye Doctors, our ophthalmologists will assess your condition and determine the most appropriate treatment for your situation.