Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, is a condition that can affect both children and adults. While many adults may wonder if it’s too late to seek treatment for this eye misalignment, Dr David Stager emphasizes that timely intervention is crucial. Delaying treatment for strabismus in adults can lead to severe vision loss and irreversible damage. In this article, we will explore why adults with strabismus should seek professional treatment as soon as possible.
Adults with Strabismus at High Risk for Vision Loss
Adults with strabismus are at the highest risk for vision loss, and this is primarily due to the seesaw effect of the condition. Strabismus can lead to amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye,” where the brain starts ignoring one eye, resulting in blurred or double vision in that eye. While amblyopia is more common in children whose brains are still developing, adult brains are not immune to this condition.
Treating amblyopia becomes increasingly difficult once it sets in, even with corrective surgery. If one eye continues to see worse than the other, tunnel vision may occur. Left untreated, amblyopia can progress to the point of causing blindness, making early treatment essential.
Strabismus Is a Lifetime Condition, Requiring Immediate Treatment
Strabismus is a lifetime condition, and while it can be treated successfully in adults, delaying treatment can lead to irreversible vision loss. Seeking prompt medical attention and treatment for strabismus is crucial to prevent further deterioration of vision and related complications.
In addition to treating the strabismus itself, the best eye care professionals may recommend additional treatments such as glasses or contact lenses, if necessary. These additional treatments aim to enhance the quality of life by improving vision and boosting self-confidence.
Regular Eye Exams for Healthy Vision
Regular eye exams are essential for the effective detection of strabismus in adults. If adults do not undergo regular eye check-ups, strabismus may go unnoticed, leading to potential vision loss. Strabismus is characterized by misaligned eyes that appear turned inward, outward, or upward. This eye condition can cause double vision (diplopia), and in severe cases, the brain learns to ignore one image from the affected eye. This loss of depth perception can lead to difficulties in accurately judging distances between objects or people and may eventually result in blindness if not corrected early in life.
Seeking Immediate Treatment for Strabismus in Adults
According to Dr David Stager, if you have strabismus as an adult, your eyes may not align with each other when looking straight ahead, or they may move out of alignment when focusing on objects near or far away. For adults with strabismus, regular eye exams are essential, and wearing glasses or contact lenses if needed can be beneficial.
In conclusion, seeking immediate treatment for strabismus in adults is crucial to prevent vision loss and related complications. Timely intervention can lead to improved vision and a better quality of life. Regular eye exams play a vital role in detecting and managing strabismus effectively, ensuring healthy vision for years to come.