STRABISMUS AND TREATMENT
- Şaşılık, göz kaslarının koordineli çalışmaması sonucu gözlerin aynı noktaya odaklanamaması ve beynin iki farklı görüntü alması durumudur.
- Tedavi edilmeyen şaşılık, beynin zayıf gözden gelen görüntüyü yok saymasıyla kalıcı görme kaybı olan göz tembelliğine (ambliyopi) yol açabilir.
- Tedavi sürecinde gözlük, kapama yöntemi, egzersizler ve göz kaslarını fiziksel olarak hizalamayı amaçlayan cerrahi müdahaleler kullanılır.
İçerik yapay zeka ile optimize edilmiştir
What is Strabismus?
Strabismus is a visual disorder in which both eyes do not line up in the same direction, preventing them from focusing on the same object simultaneously. Under normal conditions, six different muscles surround each eye and work together as a coordinated team. This synergy allows both eyes to maintain a singular focus. However, in individuals with strabismus, these muscles fail to work in unison, causing one eye to look at an object while the other eye turns in a different direction.
When the eyes are misaligned, the brain receives two different images. This conflict confuses the brain, leading it to potentially ignore or suppress the image sent from the weaker eye, especially in children. If left untreated, this suppression can lead to a permanent loss of vision known as amblyopia, or "lazy eye." In some instances, a lazy eye may develop first and subsequently cause strabismus.
Causes and Origins
In the majority of pediatric cases, the exact cause of strabismus remains unknown. However, more than half of these instances involve congenital strabismus, which is present at or shortly after birth. It is important to note that the issue typically relates to muscle control rather than the physical strength of the eye muscles.
Common Symptoms of Strabismus
Symptoms of strabismus may be constant or intermittent, appearing and disappearing at different times. The most frequent indicators include:
- Crossed eyes or eyes that do not aim in the same direction.
- Double vision (though children may not be aware of this as amblyopia develops quickly).
- Uncoordinated eye movements where the eyes do not move together.
- Loss of depth perception or general vision loss.
Treatment Methods for Strabismus and Amblyopia
Modern medical approaches have expanded the options for managing this condition. The primary goal is to restore alignment and protect visual acuity. The treatment process typically follows these strategic steps:
- Prescription Glasses: The first step in treating children is often the use of corrective lenses.
- Patching for Amblyopia: To treat a lazy eye, a patch is placed over the stronger eye. This forces the brain to use the weaker eye, strengthening its visual capabilities.
- Eye Muscle Surgery: If the eyes do not align correctly after initial treatments, surgery may be required. This procedure involves strengthening or weakening specific eye muscles.
- Eye Muscle Exercises: For adults with mild or intermittent strabismus, specialized exercises may help maintain proper alignment.
Important Considerations for Surgery
It is crucial to understand that eye muscle repair surgery does not directly fix the poor vision caused by a lazy eye. In fact, surgical intervention is likely to fail if amblyopia has not been treated first. Surgery tends to be more successful when performed at a younger age. In cases where strabismus is a result of vision loss, the underlying vision issue must be corrected before surgery can be effective.
| Treatment Type | Primary Goal |
|---|---|
| Glasses | Correct refractive errors and aid alignment |
| Patching | Treat Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) by strengthening the weaker eye |
| Surgery | Physically realign the eye muscles |
| Exercises | Improve muscle coordination in mild cases |
Op. Dr. Ahmet UMAY
Bristol University Ophthalmology Section, United Kingdom
References:
Strabismus. American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS).
