A pediatric ophthalmologist, Alan B. Richards, M.D., delivers a high standard of specialist care to children through Highland Clinic and Ochsner LSU Health, both in Shreveport, Louisiana. Among the many eye problems Alan B. Richards, M.D., treats is childhood strabismus.
A pediatric ophthalmologist, Alan B. Richards, M.D., delivers a high standard of specialist care to children through Highland Clinic and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, both in Shreveport, Louisiana. Among the many eye problems Alan B. Richards, M.D., treats is childhood strabismus.
Commonly referred to as a lazy eye, strabismus encompasses the various ways the eyes can become misaligned. For example, esotropia is a type of horizontal strabismus wherein the eye turns inwards, a condition colloquially referred to as being cross-eyed. Hypertropia falls under vertical strabismus, and it occurs when an eye appears higher than normal.
Strabismus manifests in children in good health as well as children with underlying neurological conditions like cerebral palsy and brain tumors. Evidence suggests that strabismus runs in families in 30% of cases, through doctors have yet to pinpoint its precise cause in many cases.
Treatment for strabismus depends on the severity of the case. In mild cases, doctors may attempt to correct it using glasses or with the aid of a temporary eye patch. Glasses often are needed to obtain good binocular vision and overcome strabismus. Often, children require eye muscle surgery to address the misalignment and improve vision.
The earlier medical intervention begins in childhood strabismus, the better the chance of a successful outcome. Early treatment can result in a lifetime of improved appearance and improved vision.
A pediatric ophthalmologist, Alan B. Richards, M.D., delivers a high standard of specialist care to children through Highland Clinic and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, both in Shreveport, Louisiana. Among the many eye problems Alan B. Richards, M.D., treats is childhood strabismus.
Commonly referred to as a lazy eye, strabismus encompasses the various ways the eyes can become misaligned. For example, esotropia is a type of horizontal strabismus wherein the eye turns inwards, a condition colloquially referred to as being cross-eyed. Hypertropia falls under vertical strabismus, and it occurs when an eye appears higher than normal.
Strabismus manifests in children in good health as well as children with underlying neurological conditions like cerebral palsy and brain tumors. Evidence suggests that strabismus runs in families in 30% of cases, through doctors have yet to pinpoint its precise cause in many cases.
Treatment for strabismus depends on the severity of the case. In mild cases, doctors may attempt to correct it using glasses or with the aid of a temporary eye patch. Glasses often are needed to obtain good binocular vision and overcome strabismus. Often, children require eye muscle surgery to address the misalignment and improve vision.
The earlier medical intervention begins in childhood strabismus, the better the chance of a successful outcome. Early treatment can result in a lifetime of improved appearance and improved vision.
