Orthoptist

If someone is cross-eyed or has a lazy eye, their ophthalmologist may refer them to an orthoptist. These conditions generally present themselves in adolescence, so orthoptists tend to work with children much of the time. An orthoptist focuses on treating the muscles of the eye. They are specialists who are able to recommend and apply therapy and corrective eye treatments to patients whose eyes are not aligned correctly so that they may attain straight vision (“straight vision” is literally the meaning of orthoptist). Special lenses, prisms, and other instruments are used to accomplish this.

Specific tests used to diagnose and treat eye disorders through measurement, eye exercises and patches may also be effective. An orthoptist may also recommend surgery as a final corrective measure.

Cross-eyed Vision

Also known as strabismus or tropia, cross-eyed vision is defined as the eyes turning, or deviating, when focused on a specific object. Eye doctors look for cross-eyed vision at 20 feet, and then 16 inches for adults, and 13 inches for infants. They also look for the presence at vertical and lateral directions. If the eye turns every time, it is called constant strabismus. When it is only occasionally, it is referred to as intermittent strabismus.

An orthoptist will first look to train the muscles of the eyes. This can be done by showing the patient different therapies which can be done at home. Several different strategies to train eye movement and visual-motor deficiencies can be done to help the eyes focus as one unit.

Lazy Eye

Amblyopia, or lazy eye, affects only one of the eyes. It is believed that it is caused by a failure of the brain to acknowledge images that are seen and processed. It affects children between birth and six years of age. Failure to treat lazy eye can cause a loss of vision and depth perception later in life. Early detection and treatment is the best course of treatment.

If you or a loved one has cross eyed vision, or your child has a lazy eye, please contact an ophthalmologist in your area today.