Strabismus: how to avoid an ailment?

Strabismus is a violation of the binocularity of the eyes, that is, the coordinated work of the eye muscles. Externally, the strabismus is manifested by the deviation of one eye into one side or the other from the object of focusing. In medicine, this condition is known as strabismus .

Depending on the direction in which the eye deviates, the strabismus converges (the eye deviates to the nose) or diverges (the eye deviates toward the temple). Less often the eye can look up or down. The disease can affect both one and both eyes.

Most often, strabismus develops in children between the ages of two and three years. Potential causes of strabismus include:

• Injuries or diseases of the brain
• Infectious diseases (measles, influenza, diphtheria)
• Congenital visual impairment (hyperopia, nearsightedness, astigmatism)
• Hereditary predisposition.

It is extremely important to consult an ophthalmologist at the first manifestations of strabismus. The fact is that if a binocular vision is disturbed, a person sees two images, that is, he "doubles in the eyes". However, the child's brain quickly learns to adapt to such inconveniences by suppressing the image perceived by the mowing eye. As a result, over time, this eye loses its ability to see. Another reason not to postpone a visit to a specialist is the development of the child's habit of tilting his head to better see. Please note that often do not understand that doubling is abnormal, that's why they do not complain about discomfort, but try to adapt to the inconvenience.

So, here are the main signs and symptoms of strabismus , at the appearance of which it is necessary to consult a doctor:

• Deflection of the eye
• Head incline
• Blinking one or both eyes.

Treatment of strabismus depends on the individual characteristics of the child (age, the presence of concomitant eye diseases) and the type of strabismus. Methods of treating strabismus include wearing glasses, therapeutic treatment (using special apparatus and performing exercises) and surgical operation. Often patients are prescribed complex treatment. To surgical intervention resorted in those cases when conservative methods of treatment for a long time do not give the desired results. The essence of the operation is to weaken or strengthen the work of one of the muscles that carries out the movement of the eyeball.

How to avoid strabismus?

There are preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of strabismus in children. This includes the so-called technique of visual safety:

• Do not allow your child to watch TV until age 3. After this, limit the time of the child in front of the screen. The same goes for computers.
• Do not place objects near the crib of the child, which will constantly attract his attention. The child's view should not be directed to one point.
• Approach the baby's crib from different sides. If there is no such possibility - put him to sleep head alternately in different directions.
• Do not hold toys or other objects too close to the child's eyes.
• Make sure that the child has developed a correct posture.

There is such a thing as imaginary strabismus , when due to the close arrangement of the eyes or the broad bridge of the nose, an illusion of a visual defect is created. In this case, the appearance of strabismus passes with age. However, do not harbor hopes and be sure to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist if you think that your child has a strabismus. Do not forget that the treatment of strabismus is the more effective the earlier it is started and the younger the child is.