Treatment of exotropia

Exotropia is one of the most common types of strabismus, which is an eye disorder in which one or both eyes turn outward. It is the opposite of esotropia. Here, we learn about strabismus in children, its causes and symptoms, what is the treatment for strabismus, whether can strabismus be treated without surgery, and what are exercises for treating strabismus.

What is the difference between strabismus and esotropia?

Both strabismus and esotropia are forms of strabismus.

The main difference lies in the shape of the eye deviation. The eye turns inward in esotropia, while the eye turns outward in strabismus.

What are the types of strabismus?

There are several types of strabismus, including:

• Congenital strabismus

Congenital strabismus is strabismus in children from birth. It may be due to a family history of strabismus or due to diseases related to muscle dysfunction of the eye.

• Acquired strabismus

Acquired strabismus is strabismus that appears during a person's lifetime. This type is classified into:

• Intermittent strabismus

Intermittent strabismus occurs from time to time and rarely, as in some cases the vision of the eye is straight and not deviated, and in other times the vision of the eye is deviated and directed outward.

This type of intermittent strabismus appears in the following cases:

• When the person is tired.
• When the person looks at a distance away from him.

This type of intermittent strabismus may turn into a constant one.

Esotropia

This type is more common in children under the age of one, when there is a problem with vision in only one eye. The level of vision in this eye decreases compared to the other healthy eye, which may lead to an outward deviation of the eye.

Exotropia

This type of strabismus follows surgery to correct strabismus and align the eye in a straight path. Strabismus occurs years after surgery.

Signs and symptoms of esotropia

Signs and symptoms of esotropia in children and adults include:

• Deviation of the eye inward.
• Eye strain.
• Headaches.
• Double vision.
• Closing one eye when in bright sunlight.
• Difficulty with depth perception.

Causes of esotropia

• Genetics: Esotropia is more common in some families.
• Weak eye muscles.
• Some health problems, such as stroke or tumors, can cause esotropia.
• Severe vision impairment: Vision impairment can lead to esotropia.

What is the treatment for exotropia?

Depending on the severity of the condition and the type of exotropia, treatment for exotropia includes the following:

• Eye patching: The stronger eye is covered so that the weaker eye becomes stronger.
• Eyeglasses and corrective lenses: The doctor may prescribe glasses or contact lenses to treat exotropia in children and adults.
• Eye exercises: Eye exercises can help treat exotropia.
• Surgery: Surgery can be performed to tighten or relax the muscles of one or both eyes to treat exotropia.

Can exotropia be prevented?

Exotropia cannot be prevented, but it is important to have regular eye exams to detect exotropia and refractive errors in the eye and to apply corrective measures and treat exotropia as soon as possible to avoid complications.

Can exotropia cause blindness?

Neglecting to treat exotropia can lead to vision loss in the eye. Without treatment, the eye may lose the ability to see with both eyes and double vision problems and difficulty in depth perception may worsen.

Does the condition of exotropia worsen with age?

Yes, the condition of exotropia worsens if it is not treated.

In conclusion, exotropia is a type of strabismus in which one or both eyes deviate outward away from the nose. Exotropia in children can be treated better when it is diagnosed early, while you cannot prevent it from happening.

Now, learn more about the treatment of exotropia, and request a consultation with Dr. Osama Hakim, Consultant of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Surgery, Strabismus, Eyelid and Tear Duct Surgery at Moroccan Eye Hospital in Dubai and founder and director of Medical Eye Center in Egypt.