Pseudostrabismus
Pseudostrabismus
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
1. How can I tell if my child has pseudostrabismus or real strabismus?
A: The best way to determine if your child has pseudostrabismus or true strabismus is to schedule an eye exam with an ophthalmologist. Dr. Suraj Munjal can perform specialized tests to confirm eye alignment and rule out any vision problems.
2. Will pseudostrabismus go away on its own?
A: Yes, in most cases, pseudostrabismus improves as the child’s facial features grow and develop. No treatment is typically required unless there is an underlying eye condition.
3. Is pseudostrabismus harmful to my child’s vision?
A: Pseudostrabismus is not harmful to vision. Since the eyes are correctly aligned, there are no risks of vision impairment associated with this condition.
About Pseudostrabismus
Pseudostrabismus, also known as “false strabismus,” is a condition where a child’s eyes appear to be misaligned, but in reality, they are perfectly straight. This condition is often mistaken for real strabismus (crossed eyes) but does not require the same intervention or treatment. It is most commonly observed in infants and young children and tends to resolve naturally as they grow.
Causes of Pseudostrabismus
Pseudostrabismus is primarily due to physical features of the face rather than an actual problem with eye alignment. Some of the main causes include:
- Wide nasal bridge: A broad nose bridge can create the illusion of crossed eyes.
- Epicanthal folds: Skin folds covering the inner corners of the eyes can make the eyes seem turned inward.
- Position of the eyes: If the eyes are set closer to the nose, they may appear misaligned.
These physical characteristics typically change with facial growth, and the pseudostrabismus appearance diminishes over time.
Types of Pseudostrabismus
Pseudostrabismus is typically classified into two types:
- Pseudoesotropia: The eyes seem to turn inward, usually due to a wide nasal bridge or prominent epicanthal folds.
- Pseudoexotropia: The eyes appear to turn outward, often because of wide-set eyes or a flattened nose bridge.
While both conditions may look similar to strabismus, a proper examination will confirm that the eyes are aligned correctly.
Symptoms of Pseudostrabismus
Pseudostrabismus doesn’t cause any symptoms related to vision misalignment, unlike true strabismus. The key signs to look for are:
- Appearance of crossed or misaligned eyes, particularly when the child looks in certain directions.
- No complaints of double vision or difficulty focusing on objects.
- The child’s eyes move together in coordination.
If there are vision issues such as squinting, double vision, or tilting the head, consult an ophthalmologist to rule out true strabismus.
Diagnosis of Pseudostrabismus
A thorough eye examination by an experienced ophthalmologist like Dr. Suraj Munjal is essential to differentiate pseudostrabismus from true strabismus. The diagnostic process may include:
- Visual acuity test: To check for vision problems.
- Corneal light reflex test: To determine if the eyes are correctly aligned.
- Fundus examination: To inspect the internal structures of the eyes.
These tests ensure that the eyes are healthy and properly aligned, confirming a diagnosis of pseudostrabismus.
Treatment for Pseudostrabismus
No specific treatment is required for pseudostrabismus since the eyes are actually aligned correctly. The appearance of crossed eyes often diminishes as the child’s face matures. In rare cases, if there are underlying vision problems such as farsightedness, corrective lenses may be recommended.
However, if true strabismus is diagnosed during an eye examination, it may require intervention such as corrective lenses, eye patching, or surgery.
Cost of Treatment and Stay in India
The evaluation of pseudostrabismus is affordable, with routine eye exams costing between $50 and $100 at most clinics. If any treatment is required for true strabismus or other eye conditions, costs vary based on the procedure.