Strabismus

During a recent visit to our pediatrician my 8 yr old daughter was given a routine eye exam.  The Dr. asked if she had ever seen an eye specialist and seemed very concerned. She said her eyes do not move together and said she has strabismus.  We did take her to a specialist when she was about 2 because we noticed that her left eye seemed "off" but very slightly.  She also (from the time she was a baby) covered her left eye in the sun or any bright light. She still squints or covers that eye in those same circumstances.  She has also been diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities in math and reading.   Could the strabismus have been missed by the Dr. at age 2?  Is sensitivity to light a symptom of strabismus or could that be something else?  Given some of her other issues, could strabismus be an indicator of neurological problems?  We have an appointment with a specialist but not for several weeks.  Thank you so much.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Think about how much your daughter has changed in the last 6 years. Is it likely that strabismus was present and missed at age 2. Not at all likely. It it likely that it has developed sometime after that long ago examination. Absolutely.

Sensitivity to light, closing one eye and resisting having one eye covered can all be indications of strabismus or amblyopia (they are closely related).

Strabismus is more common in some neurological syndromes but most children with strabismus (2% of all USA children) are neurologically normal.

Note strabismus runs in families (20% chance of other kids having it). Anyone that reads this post that has small children: see an ophthalmologist (Eye MD) immediately if the eyes don't look right or aligned, if there is a family history of amblyopia or strabismus see an ophthalmologist about the age of 2-2.5 years. All children should be checked by and Eye MD about age three.

Be sure you are seeing an ophthalmologist or a pediatric ophthalmologist with a MD degree.

JCH III MD Eye Physician & Surgeon