Normally, when looking at something at a distance, the eyes line up in a parallel manner to focus on the image. When this parallel alignment is not reached, it is known as Strabismus. The misalignment of one eye in regards to the other can occur when one eye faces inwards towards the nose ( Esotropia or convergent strabismus) or outwards (Exotropia). In some cases, Strabismus can occur on a vertical alignment, meaning the eye is misaligned upwards (Hypertropia) or downwards (Hypotropia). A combination of misalignments in the eyes is also possible. Strabismus can be a result of an ocular muscular deficiency but studies have shown that this condition frequently coexists with a cerebral disability that doesn´t allow the brain to process two images. When a child has Strabismus, the eyes are misaligned. One eye can be misaligned inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards while the other can be properly aligned. When the eyes are misaligned, the images received in each eye are very different and the brain is not able to receive the images properly. If Strabismus is not treated, the brain can begin to ignore the images received by the eye that is misaligned and can result in Amblyopia. .

TREATING STRABISMUS:

Strabismus is treated by correcting the problem that produces the misalignment of the eyes and allows the child to see clearly. Proper treatment of Strabismus prevents the child from developing Amblyopia..

Eye glasses: Are prescribed for kids who have problems focusing images so that they can see clearly. In some cases, they are able to use contact lenses to correct the problem, but this decision is ultimately up to the doctor that is treating the patient.

Surgery: A surgical procedure consists in the modification of the muscles that surround the eye in order to achieve the alignment of the eyes: a strengthening of certain muscles and the “weakening” of other muscles to change the effective force of these over the eyeball and in doing so, results in the alignment of the eyes. In some cases, surgery that looks to adjust certain muscles around the eye is necessary to treat Strabismus.
This surgery results in the ability of the muscles to properly move the eye. It is a safe and common procedure. The surgeon looks for a change on the size of the muscle (such as cutting a fragment of it) or a repositioning of the muscles. Such changes to the muscles result in the proper alignment of the eyes.

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF TECHNIQUES USED:

RECESSION: surgical procedure in which the muscle is placed in a different position on the eye.
RESECTION: surgical procedure where part of the muscle is cut