Orthoptics
Orthoptics
Squinting (strabismus)
With squinting, the eyes point in different directions, which results in double vision. This misinformation is equalised by the brain and allows the person affected to see only with the healthy eye. The visual centre is thus no longer stimulated, and the affected eye becomes weak-sighted (amblyopic). Here the squint need not necessarily be discernible and may also only appear occasionally.
What are the causes of squinting?
Causes of squinting can be long- or short-sightedness, eye muscle problems, an astigmatism, childhood diseases, high fever or psychological crises.
How is squinting diagnosed?
Within the framework of the diagnosis, visual acuity, the ocular fundus, the eye position, spatial vision and the squint angle are measured.
How is squinting treated?
To treat the squint, eye patch therapy (occlusion therapy), prism correction, orthoptic exercises or a surgical intervention may be used to preserve binocular vision and to stabilise the interaction of both eyes.