Strabismus

Overview


Plain-Language Overview

Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. It affects the muscles controlling eye movement, causing one eye to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other eye looks straight ahead. This misalignment can lead to double vision or difficulty with depth perception. The condition involves the visual system, particularly the coordination between the eyes and the brain. It often develops in childhood but can occur at any age. If untreated, it may cause amblyopia or permanent vision loss in the affected eye. Early detection is important to prevent long-term vision problems.

Clinical Definition

Strabismus is a disorder characterized by the misalignment of the eyes due to an imbalance in the extraocular muscle function or their neural control. It results from dysfunction in the cranial nerves III, IV, or VI, or abnormalities in the extraocular muscles themselves. The condition can be classified as esotropia (inward deviation), exotropia (outward deviation), hypertropia (upward deviation), or hypotropia (downward deviation). It disrupts binocular vision and can lead to suppression of the deviated eye's input, causing amblyopia if untreated during the critical period of visual development. Strabismus may be congenital or acquired due to trauma, neurological disease, or systemic conditions. It is clinically significant because it impairs depth perception and can cause cosmetic concerns.

Inciting Event

Locked content.

Latency Period

Locked content.

Diagnostic Delay

Locked content.

Clinical Presentation


Signs & Symptoms

Locked content.

History of Present Illness

Locked content.

Past Medical History

Locked content.

Family History

Locked content.

Physical Exam Findings

Locked content.

Diagnostic Workup


Diagnostic Criteria

Locked content.

Pathophysiology


Key Mechanisms

Locked content.

Organs

Locked content.

Tissues

Locked content.

Cells

Locked content.

Chemical Mediators

Locked content.

Treatments


Pharmacological Treatments

Locked content.

Non-pharmacological Treatments

Locked content.

Prevention


Pharmacological Prevention

Locked content.

Non-pharmacological Prevention

Locked content.

Outcome & Complications


Complications

Locked content.

Short-term Sequelae

Locked content.

Long-term Sequelae

Locked content.

Differential Diagnoses


Differentials

Locked content.

Medical Disclaimer: The content on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional with questions about a medical condition.

Artificial Intelligence Use: Portions of this site's content were generated or assisted by AI. All material has been reviewed by Erik Romano, MD, however, errors or omissions may still occur.

USMLE® is a registered trademark of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Doctogenic and Roscoe & Romano are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the USMLE, FSMB, or NBME. Neither FSMB nor NBME has reviewed or approved this content. “USMLE Step 1” and “USMLE Step 2 CK” are used only to identify the relevant examinations.