Question
A 10-month-old male baby has developed an esotropia in his left eye. How should treatment be approached? Please provide medical advice.
Answer
Strabismus, also known as “crossed eyes,” occurs when one eye looks toward the nose while the other eye does not align with the first. This condition can be categorized into accommodative esotropia, muscle paresis esotropia, and fixed esotropia. Although some babies may naturally improve their strabismus as they grow, it is still recommended that parents start paying attention to their child’s visual development after the baby is two months old. At two months, a baby’s vision begins to strengthen, and they can start to notice people and objects around them. It is important to avoid hanging toys or objects within 1.5 meters of the baby’s crib to prevent visual deviation. If toys are needed, they should be changed regularly to encourage the baby’s eyes to frequently change their direction of gaze, promoting visual development. For the treatment of strabismus, it is advised to consult a professional ophthalmologist, based on the child’s specific situation.