Strabismus is a vision problem in which both eyes do not look at the same point at the same time. This is caused when eye muscles do not work properly to control alignment necessary for the brain to merge images from each eye.

Childhood strabismus often has no known cause, but there are genetic links. Sometimes, another eye disorder like farsightedness may stimulate strabismus. Adult strabismus may develop from disease or trauma. A stroke, brain tumor, nerve or muscle disorder, blood vessel damage, or accident may trigger strabismus in an adult.

Treatments for strabismus may include prescription eyewear, patching, eye exercises, medicines, and surgery. Resolving amblyopia, a condition where one eye is not used enough to stimulate proper receptor development in the brain, may improve strabismus. The most severe cases require surgery that changes the length of muscles around the eye, to improve alignment.

Without treatment, strabismus can cause permanent vision problems. A newborn’s eyes should align by the age of four months. Any child older than four months should have an eye exam -- sooner, if there is an obvious problem.

Risk factors for strabismus include:
A family history of strabismus
Farsightedness
Muscle and nerve disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy)
Down’s syndrome
Cataract
Tumor in the brain or eye
Head injury
Infections (e.g., measles, meningitis)
Premature birth, low birth weight or birth injury