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Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes or squint, is a condition where the eyes are not aligned properly and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment can be constant or occur only at times, such as when tired or focusing closely. Strabismus can affect both children and adults, and early diagnosis is important to protect vision.
read more about strabismus ...Strabismus comes in different forms depending on the direction of the eye turn. Esotropia refers to inward turning, while exotropia is when one or both eyes drift outward. Hypertropia involves the eye turning upward, and hypotropia describes a downward turn. Some types appear early in childhood, while others develop later in life. Recognizing the type helps guide the best treatment.
The condition occurs when the eye muscles, nerves, or brain areas that control eye movement do not coordinate properly. Genetics can play a role, making children more likely to develop it if family members had it. Other causes include uncorrected vision problems, injuries, or medical conditions like cerebral palsy. In adults, stroke or head trauma can also trigger strabismus. Knowing the cause is important for choosing treatment.
The most noticeable sign of strabismus is when the eyes appear misaligned, but other symptoms may also develop:
Eye doctors use several tests to determine if strabismus is present, including checking eye movements and alignment. They may use lights or special tools to measure how the eyes focus and work together. A full eye exam also helps rule out other conditions that affect vision. Diagnosis often happens in childhood, but adults should also seek care if they notice sudden eye misalignment.
Schedule an appointment if one eye seems misaligned or you notice double vision. This condition can affect depth perception and cause eye strain, but treatment with glasses, therapy, or surgery can restore proper alignment.
Regular eye exams are one of the best ways to detect and manage eye diseases early. Many eye conditions develop gradually and may not show noticeable symptoms until they start affecting vision. Visiting an eye doctor routinely helps protect your eyesight and maintain good eye health over time.
Sometimes mild, occasional eye drifting can appear when a child is tired or focusing up close, but true strabismus usually does not resolve without proper care. Waiting too long can raise the risk of vision problems like amblyopia, also called lazy eye. An eye exam is the safest way to confirm what is happening and decide on the next step.
Treatment depends on the cause and the type of eye turn. Options can include glasses to correct refractive error, prism lenses for certain cases of double vision, and vision therapy to improve eye coordination. If the misalignment is larger or persistent, surgery on the eye muscles can help realign the eyes and improve function.
Yes. Adults can develop strabismus due to issues that affect the nerves, muscles, or brain pathways that control eye movement. Common triggers include head trauma, stroke, or other medical conditions, and it often comes with new double vision. Sudden onset in adulthood should be evaluated quickly.
It can, especially in adults. When the eyes do not point at the same target, the brain may receive two different images and interpret that as double vision. In children, the brain can sometimes suppress one image, which can protect against double vision but still harm visual development.
Strabismus (Eye Misalignment). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/strabismus-eye-misalignment. Accessed January 12, 2026.
Strabismus (crossed eyes). American Optometric Association. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/strabismus. Accessed January 12, 2026.
Strabismus: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001004.htm. Accessed January 12, 2026.
Squint. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/squint/. Accessed January 12, 2026.
What is strabismus and how common is it? American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). https://aapos.org/glossary/strabismus. Accessed January 12, 2026.
Strabismus in Children. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/strabismus-in-children. Accessed January 12, 2026.
What Is Adult Strabismus? American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-strabismus. Accessed January 12, 2026.