Strabismus and amblyopia

Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes in which one or both eyes may turn inward, outward, up or down. Strabismus is also called "wandering eye" or "crossed-eyes." Amblyopia, also called "lazy eye," is a condition in which vision doesn’t develop normally during childhood. Usually the child has one weak eye with poor vision and one strong eye with normal vision.

Early detection and treatment can prevent permanent visual impairment.

• Strabismus is one of the most common eye problems in children, affecting approximately 4 percent of children under the age of 6; 2 to 3 percent of the general population has amblyopia.

• Experts don’t completely understand the cause of strabismus, but it results from failure of the eye muscles to work together; there are many causes of amblyopia, but it occurs most commonly with strabismus.

• If you notice that your child's eyes are moving inward or outward; that he isn’t focusing on objects; and/or that his eyes seem crossed, you should seek medical attention.

  “Aligning the Eyes” webcast
  David Hunter, MD, PhD, ophthalmologist-in-chief, led a panel discussion about a form of strabismus, called Duane syndrome, which is an inherited disorder in which the eye has limited range of motion. Children’s Hospital Boston is one of the few pediatric institutions that performs a sedated adjustable suture procedure. Learn more about this procedure and the webcast in the Children’s newsroom.