Question
An infant of two and a half months old has developed a crossed-eye phenomenon. Can this be treated? When is the best time for treatment?
Answer
Strabismus in infants, before the age of six months, is referred to as congenital strabismus. Once strabismus is detected in an infant, it is important to immediately seek a detailed ophthalmic examination. Treatment may involve correcting refractive errors, or in some cases, surgical correction may be necessary. Crossed eyes, medically known as esotropia, refer to eye misalignment where the eyes cannot simultaneously fixate on a single target; when one eye is looking forward, the other eye will deviate. Strabismus can be classified into two types based on its cause: congenital and paralytic strabismus. Congenital strabismus is more common in children, usually occurring before the age of six, with the highest incidence around three years old.