Hello, this is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic.
As children grow, their visual acuity and visual functions develop together.
If problems with eye alignment or visual development occur during this period, they may continue to affect vision later in life. Early detection and appropriate eye examinations are therefore important.
Many parents become concerned when one of their child’s eyes appears to turn inward or outward, or when the eyes seem to point in different directions in photographs.
However, eyes that appear crossed do not always indicate strabismus. Conversely, intermittent strabismus may be difficult to notice because the eye misalignment does not occur all the time.
Today, we will discuss what amblyopia and strabismus are, when children should undergo an eye examination, and how treatment may be performed at a pediatric eye clinic in Paju.
What Is Strabismus?
Strabismus is a condition in which the two eyes do not look at the same object simultaneously and instead point in different directions.
One eye may turn inward or outward, or the eyes may be vertically misaligned. The symptoms are not necessarily present at all times.
In some children, the misalignment appears only in certain situations, such as when they are tired, daydreaming, or looking into the distance. This can make the condition difficult to detect in its early stages.
Each eye is controlled by six muscles that work together to coordinate eye movement and alignment.
However, congenital factors or changes in muscle balance during growth may prevent the eyes from pointing in the same direction, resulting in strabismus.
How Are Amblyopia and Strabismus Related?
Amblyopia is a condition in which vision does not develop normally, even when there is no obvious structural abnormality in the eye.
During childhood, vision develops as both eyes are used together. If a child primarily relies on one eye or strabismus persists for an extended period, the less frequently used eye may not develop adequate vision, leading to amblyopia.
Strabismus may also affect the development of depth perception, which requires both eyes to work together. Early detection and an appropriate treatment plan are therefore important during the visual development period.
At a pediatric eye clinic in Paju, a child’s condition may be assessed comprehensively through visual acuity testing as well as examinations of eye movement and binocular visual function.
Consider an Eye Examination If Your Child Shows These Signs
It may be advisable to arrange an ophthalmic examination if your child repeatedly displays any of the following signs:
✔ One eye turns inward or outward when the child is daydreaming
✔ The eyes appear to point in different directions in photographs
✔ The child frequently closes or rubs one eye
✔ The child tilts their head when looking at objects
✔ Other people often comment that the child’s eyes appear crossed
Intermittent strabismus does not cause visible eye misalignment all the time, making it difficult even for parents to recognize.
If these signs recur, consider visiting a pediatric eye clinic in Paju for a thorough examination to determine the cause.
Eyes That Appear Crossed Do Not Always Indicate Strabismus
Young children often have a low nasal bridge and prominent skin folds near the inner corners of the eyes. These features can make the eyes appear to turn inward even when they are properly aligned.
This is known as pseudostrabismus, or pseudoesotropia.
Although pseudostrabismus is not true strabismus, the two conditions can look similar and may be difficult for parents to distinguish.
Conversely, true strabismus may be overlooked when the eye misalignment occurs only intermittently. A professional eye examination is therefore necessary for an accurate assessment.
At pediatric eye clinics in Paju, including Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic, the position and movement of the eyes and binocular visual function are evaluated to distinguish pseudostrabismus from true strabismus. Further examinations and an appropriate treatment plan may then be recommended when necessary.
How Is Strabismus Treated?
| Treatment | Description |
| Glasses | If strabismus is associated with a refractive error, as in accommodative esotropia, wearing glasses may help improve eye alignment. |
| Amblyopia treatment | If amblyopia is also present, glasses or patching therapy may be used to support visual development in the weaker eye. |
| Strabismus surgery | This procedure adjusts the balance of the muscles responsible for eye movement so that both eyes can align in the same direction. The need for surgery is determined based on the child’s symptoms and examination results. |
| Recession procedure | A muscle that pulls too strongly is detached and reattached farther back on the eye, reducing its pulling force and improving muscular balance. |
| Resection procedure | A portion of a weaker muscle is removed to shorten and strengthen it. This procedure may be performed together with a recession procedure. |
The appropriate treatment method is determined by considering the child’s age, the type and severity of strabismus, symptoms, and examination findings.
Not every child with strabismus requires surgery. In some cases, eye alignment may improve with glasses alone, which is why an accurate assessment is essential.
At pediatric eye clinics in Paju, including Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic, a personalized treatment plan may be recommended based on the results of a comprehensive eye examination.
Thank you.
