Yorum yapılmamışStrabismus, which is seen in babies from birth, can significantly affect the baby’s vision. Although the eye deviation seen in babies are mostly inwards, upward and outward deviation can also be seen. First of all, it is necessary to be sure whether this is strabismus or psödostrabismus (false appearance of misaligned/cross eye). For this, a detailed eye examination should be performed on your baby by an ophthalmologist/optometrist. In general, pseudostrabismus can be seen in 10% of babies due to the broad nasal bridge. Apart from this, it is quite normal and common for babies to have deviation in the eyes from time to time until the first 4 months of age. However, one important detail should not be overlooked. It is possible for many babies with pseudostrabismus to experience strabismus in the future.
These two concepts should not be confused with each other. The periods in which eye shift occurs most clearly in babies are between 3 and 6 months and between the ages of 2 and 3 years. Early diagnosis plays a major role in the treatment of crossed eyes and success of treatment in babies. In babies diagnosed with pseudostrabismus, Eyes should be checked regularly by the family.
Any ailment or problem in a baby is first noticed by the family. If you notice a problem with your baby’s eyes, you should definitely consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist. On the other hand, even if there are no symptoms or problems, every baby should be taken to eye check-ups regularly for prevention and control purposes. Most babies are born with eye conditions such as hyperopia and astigmatism. In babies whose growth and development have started, visual acuity increases and these disorders that come with birth decrease and disappear.
At the same time, every family should have information about vision and eye issues in terms of eye health of their babies. Just as the follow-up of the height and weight development of babies is carried out regularly, eye and vision development follow-ups should be done in the same way. If when you look at your child, his/her one eye is looking straight ahead but his/her other eye is looking in a different direction, or if one eye is fixed and the other is moving, regular eye exams should be done earlier.
Strabismus Symptoms in Babies
There are many symptoms of eye deviation problem in babies. Families who see these symptoms should have their babies examined by a specialist doctor without wasting time. Symptoms of eye deviation in infants include;
1- Disruption of normal movements of the eyes and observation of abnormal movements,
2- The situation of squinting/closing one of the eyes, especially in a bright and sunny environment
3- When the photo is taken, the normally red reflex from the eyes is yellow/white.
4- Constant turning of the head or face in one direction
5- Imbalance that occurs later in toddlers
Strabismus Tests in Babies
In cases of suspected strabismus, clearer results are obtained with eye tests performed by specialist physicians. We can list these tests as follows.
Hirschberg Test
This test is done to check the parallelism of the eyes. The result of the test is indicated by the physician with the reflections created by a light source held to the eyes from a distance of 50 cm.
Covering-Uncovering Test
This test is check if there is any eye drift. The eye is covered and waited for a short time and uncovered. The movements of the covered eye after it is opened are controlled. In cases where this test is not sufficient, alternate cover test can also be performed.
Eye Movement Control
With this test, the functions of the eye muscles are evaluated. The patient is asked to look at a certain object, and this object is moved in different directions to observe the tracking of the eyes.
Prism Test
At this stage, the covering test is combined with the prism and the amount of deviation is measured. The power of the prism is increased until the deviation disappears.
With all these tests, the treatment process is started by specialist physicians for babies diagnosed with strabismus.
Until When Is Eye Deviation in Babies Considered Normal?
Eye deviation in infants is considered normal until a certain period. In general, newborn babies are born with temporary eye disorders when they are born. As a result of regular eye examinations, these conditions, which are encountered after birth, return to normal after a certain period of time. However, in babies who are not checked regularly, this may be permanent and cause various vision problems.
Eye deviation seen in infants is considered normal from birth to 4th month. In case the eye deviations continue after the 4th month, eye checks frequency should definitely be increased and treatment should be started with the support of specialist physicians on this subject.
Eye Deviation Treatment in Babies
In the treatment of eye deviation in infants, the type of strabismus is primarily determined. If an eye deviation that can be treated with glasses is detected, glasses treatment is given. At the same time, occlusion therapy (eye patching) can be started. If these treatments do not produce results, surgical treatment, that is, strabismus surgery, may be required.
Can Babies Wear Glasses?
Contrary to popular belief, babies can wear glasses very easily. When the glasses meet their need for vision and correct the eye deviation, babies feel it and adapt nicely to the glasses. The fact that families are patient and comfortable in this regard makes the eyeglass treatment process easier.
What Does False/Pseudo Eye Squint Mean?
Although there is no eye deviation or strabismus in the eyes, the appearance of these conditions is considered as false/pseudo eye squint pseudostrabismus. This situation arises as a situation related to the structural features of the face. It is also an optical illusion.
The most common form of pseudostrabismus is when the eyes look diagonally inward. In addition, it can sometimes be expressed as illusions that appear when the two eyes are not aligned in the same way when looking outward and upwards.
Whether the eye deviation is a real strabismus or pseudostrabismus is diagnosed by some tests performed by specialist doctors.
Is There Exercise for Eye Deviation in Babies?
Generally speaking, there are many exercises for adults in cases of eye deviation. Although these exercises do not have a great effect on most people, they provide positive results for some people.
However, this is not possible in infants. Because the movements of babies are limited until a certain period and they are not suitable for these exercises. For this reason, it will be more appropriate for you to determine a treatment method by following your doctor’s recommendations as a result of the eye examinations you will have your baby. In periods when the baby’s movement restrictions disappear, certain exercises can be done under the control of a doctor.
The eye is among the important sense organs and eye health is very important. Early diagnosis benefits us in many ways. Babies should be checked by an ophthalmologist frequently in order not to restrict their vision development.
Conclusion
When strabismus and eye deviation are seen in infants, a careful and detailed eye examination should be performed. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for the healthy progress of the baby’s vision development.
