What is strabismus and what causes it ?

Strabismus, also known as crossed or misaligned eyes, is a visual condition characterized by an imbalance in the positioning of the eyes. In a person with strabismus, the eyes do not align properly, causing one eye to look straight ahead while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward.

The exact cause of strabismus is not always known, but it often involves a disruption in the normal functioning of the eye muscles or the control of these muscles by the brain. Several factors can contribute to the development of strabismus, including:

Weak or Imbalanced Eye Muscles: The six muscles surrounding each eye control its movement. If one or more of these muscles are weak or imbalanced, it can result in the misalignment of the eyes.
Problems with Nerve Signals to the Eye Muscles: Strabismus can occur when the brain is unable to send or receive proper signals to control the eye muscles, leading to misalignment.
Family History: Strabismus can be hereditary, meaning it can run in families. If a parent has strabismus, their child is at a higher risk of developing the condition.
Refractive Errors: Conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can contribute to the development of strabismus. Uncorrected refractive errors can strain the eye muscles and lead to misalignment.
Medical Conditions: Certain underlying medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or brain tumors, can increase the likelihood of developing strabismus.
Eye Injuries or Trauma: In some cases, strabismus can be caused by trauma to the eye muscles or nerves, leading to the misalignment of the eyes.

Strabismus can present in different forms, including esotropia (inward deviation), exotropia (outward deviation), hypertropia (upward deviation), and hypotropia (downward deviation). It can affect individuals of all ages, from infants to adults.