No CommentsInward deviation of the eye is called esotropia. There are many types of inward eye deviation. We do not treat every inward eye deviation in the same way, therefore it is necessary to first determine the type of inward deviation.c
Types of inward eye deviation
- Inward eye deviation in infants
- Inward eye deviation due to hyperopia
- Inward eye deviation in children
- Inward eye deviation in sixth nerve palsy
Infantile Esotropia
When this condition is seen in infants, they apply to the doctor at the age of 6-7 months due to a very prominent and progressively increasing eye deviation, which starts at approximately 1-4 months of age. It is worth noting that this inward deviation is in the form of a definite inward deviation, which leaves no doubt. In other words, it is not a deviation that occurs occasionally or during the right-left gaze, but a form of strabismus in which the eyes are crossed, in the form of looking to the right with one eye and the other eye to the left.
Inward eye deviation in infants is a condition that we recommend early treatment if not accompanied by any other problem. Today, with early treatment, we can increase the probability of developing the ability to see with both eyes. In other words, the probability of future success in infantile esotropia is higher with early treatment.
Accommodative Esotropia
High hyperopia causes inward deviation of the eyes in some children, especially starting around 2 years of age. Here, correction of hyperopia with glasses provides correction of strabismus. Especially at +3 or higher numbers, the risk of inward deviation is higher. In this type of deviation, which is the most common in children, it is usually possible to completely control the strabismus with glasses. We can also treat the problem of accommodative esotropia with contact lenses and laser surgery in suitable patients.
Can strabismus be corrected with glasses?
We can control eye deviation due to hyperopia with glasses. Of course, this control is possible during the time the glasses are worn.
Inward eye deviation in children
Some types of inward deviations that occur after infancy are simple-type deviations that are not associated with hyperopia. This type of shift, which does not respond to eyeglass treatment, usually occurs between the ages of 2-12. Surgical correction of this deviation gives very good results. However, before surgical treatment, we can try glasses treatment in some cases.
In the treatment of inward deviation in children, the most important factor affecting the success of the treatment in the long term is the visual acuity level of the eyes and the ability to use both eyes simultaneously (binocularity). When inward eye deviation occurs in children, we always look for these factors, if possible. In other words, we do a lazy eye examination and, if possible, a three-dimensional visual acuity examination (stereoacuity)
Inward eye deviation in adults
Inward eye deviation in adults can be a deviation that continues from childhood, or it can also be an inward eye deviation that occurs in adulthood. In our studies on eye deviation in adults, we see that in many of our patients; people are mostly afraid of the risks of treatment and the recurrence of the disease.
Instead of focusing on the recovery of the disease, focusing on the risks and people’s negative thoughts in this direction, many patients hesitate or give up treatment for a long time.
We first try to determine the cause of esotropia in our patients who present with eye deviation in adults.
In patients with esotropia, we first determine the visual acuity and then perform the strabismus tests. Measuring distance and near deviation angles, double vision tests are important tests we perform in these patients.
Treatment options for esotropia include surgery, glasses or contact lenses.
Treatment of inward eye deviation in adults differs from that in children. In our adult patients, unlike in children, surgery is the treatment method we use more than eyeglasses treatment.
Another difference is that sixth nerve palsy is an important cause of inward eye deviation in adults. In our patients with sixth nerve palsy, we can achieve successful results in the treatment of double vision and inward deviation of the eye with the application of neurotoxin.
Conclusion
Inward deviation of the eye is very different from other eye diseases. In strabismus surgery, which we often resort to in solving the problem, we surgically intervene in the eye muscles. Eye muscle surgery is completely different from other eye surgeries. For example, it is a type of surgery in which many different techniques are applied from cataract or laser surgery. Surgical intervention is one of the methods that we see as the last option, but we apply most frequently.
