The professional staff at Washington Vision Center treat many types of functional visual disorders, including those involving strabismus, crossed eyes, or eye turns.  Children with strabismus often exhibit amblyopia as well.

The Condition and Its Causes

Strabismus is a condition in which the two eyes do not maintain proper alignment.  While one eye is looking directly at an object, the other is aiming in a different direction.  This will result in double vision unless the brain turns off the signal from one of the eyes.  Constant strabismus means that one eye is always turned. Intermittent strabismus occurs when at times both eyes align properly, but at other times one turns or wanders.  The misaligned eye can go inward, outward, upwards or downwards as the other continues to focus on an object.  Strabismus can also present when viewing only at certain distances, for instance when looking far into the distance, or at near when reading.

One cause of strabismus is abnormally developed neuromuscular connections, or coordination between the eye and brain.  The connection between the muscles and the brain have not developed the ability to completely control the very fine movements required to keep the eyes aligned.  In some cases, the cause can be related to an unmet need for glasses correction which causes the eyes to focus much harder than necessary resulting in the eyes turning inward.  Other causes can include problems with the health of the eye itself.  A thorough examination is needed to uncover the true cause.

How Strabismus is Treated in Yakima, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, WA

There are several ways to treat strabismus.  The goal is to get both eyes working efficiently as a team.  Rehabilitative vision therapy, prisms, eye glasses and surgery to attempt to physically align the ocular muscles are common treatments.  In many cases, a combination of treatment methods is used. Training the eyes to work in tandem can take a considerable length of time depending on the severity of the condition.

In vision therapy, we use the latest in 3D technology and have a host of activities specially designed to help strengthen the coordination between the brain and the eye muscles allowing them to work more efficiently with the other eye. Often even in severe cases that require surgery, therapy will also be a key component to train the brain how to use the two eyes together after the procedure.

It is also never too late to receive treatment.  We have treated many adults, even in later stages of life, who have never had their strabismus treated, had previous unsuccessful strabismus surgeries, or those who developed strabismus as a result of stroke, head trauma, or disease.  We have enjoyed great success with these individuals.  Treatment should always be sought as early as possible as the brain is more formative to developing this coordination at younger ages, but that does not mean those of older ages cannot develop the ability to align their eyes.