Why do adults get strabismus ?

Strabismus, commonly known as “crossed eyes” or “lazy eye,” is a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned and do not work together to focus on an object. It is most commonly seen in infants and young children, but it can also occur in adults, though it is less common.

There are several reasons why adults may develop strabismus:

Childhood-Onset Strabismus: Some adults may have had strabismus since childhood, but it was not diagnosed or treated at that time. If left untreated during childhood, strabismus can persist into adulthood.
Recurrence of Childhood Strabismus: In some cases, strabismus that was successfully treated in childhood may recur in adulthood, often due to the weakening of eye muscles or other factors.
Vision Changes: Changes in vision, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or other eye conditions, can affect eye muscle control and lead to the development of strabismus in adulthood.
Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological conditions or injuries, such as head trauma or brain tumors, can disrupt the normal control of eye movements and cause strabismus.
Thyroid Eye Disease: Adults with thyroid eye disease (Graves’ ophthalmopathy) may experience strabismus as a result of eye muscle swelling and eye protrusion.
Stroke: Adults who have suffered a stroke may develop strabismus due to damage to the nerves that control eye movements.
Inflammation and Infections: Inflammatory conditions or infections affecting the eye muscles or nerves can also lead to strabismus.

It’s important to note that adults with strabismus may experience symptoms such as double vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with depth perception. Strabismus can also impact self-esteem and confidence due to the appearance of misaligned eyes.