Strabismus

Home Treatment

If your child's treatment for strabismus includes wearing glasses or a patch, make sure that your child wears them exactly as directed. It is very important that patches are used exactly as instructed by your doctor, because wearing a patch for too short a time can make the treatment less effective, and wearing it for too long can cause problems in the stronger eye.

If your child has to wear special contact lenses to treat amblyopia (lazy eye), you will need to learn how to put them in and take them out. Be sure your child uses any eyedrops that the doctor prescribes exactly as directed.

Having strabismus can be hard on your child's self-esteem. In addition to affecting the child's ability to see well, strabismus affects the child's appearance. Other kids may tease your child for being cross-eyed or having a walleye. Be supportive of your child, and seek treatment right away. In addition to helping improve vision, treatment to align the eyes can improve the child's appearance and self-esteem.

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Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated: April 16, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Ian MacDonald, MDCM, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
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