As parents, it can be concerning when you notice your child’s eyes crossing or moving in different directions. It's normal for babies' eyes to cross occasionally during the first few months of life. But if your child's eye crossing persists after four months of age, it may be a sign of a vision problem and should be evaluated. Let’s take a closer look at when eye crossing could indicate an issue and what you can do about it.
Is It Strabismus?
When the eyes are misaligned and point in varying directions, this is called strabismus or “crossed eyes." Signs of crossed eyes include one eye turning inward (esotropia) or outward (exotropia). Strabismus can occur intermittently or constantly. Additionally, it is important to note that strabismus can present itself as early as infancy but may not be noticeable until later childhood when a child begins attempting more complex visual tasks such as reading.
What Causes Strabismus?
The cause of strabismus is often unknown, but there are several factors that may play a role in its development including genetics, premature birth, prenatal alcohol exposure, infantile cataracts and neurological issues like cerebral palsy. Additionally, some children have farsightedness (hyperopia) which can contribute to their eye imbalance as well.
What Should You Do If You Notice Your Child’s Eyes Crossing?
If your child's eye crossing persists after four months of age, schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who specializes in pediatric care right away. Early detection and treatment are essential for preventing vision loss and any associated developmental delays caused by double vision, eyestrain and impaired depth perception due to strabismus. The optometrist will perform comprehensive tests to determine if the child has an underlying condition causing the crossed eyes and create a personalized treatment plan accordingly. This plan may include vision therapy exercises and/or glasses prescription depending on the severity of the condition.
Crossing eyes are common among newborns but become concerning when they persist beyond four months of age. If you ever notice your child’s eyes crossing or moving in different directions after this period, it is important to schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who specializes in pediatric care immediately; early detection and treatment are key for preventing any associated vision loss or developmental delays from occurring. With proper diagnosis and treatment plan from your doctor, your little one should be able to enjoy the world around them normally!