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STRABISMUS
Strabismus, derived from the Greek word meaning "squint," is the medical term for misaligned eyes. The eyes can be crossed (esotropia), directed away from each other (exotropia), or be higher on one side (hypertropia). Untreated strabismus can lead to permanent loss of vision in children (amblyopia), if the child learns not to use one eye because it does not see the same object as the other eye.
Crooked eyes can also create problems for adults. A recent study showed that people with misaligned eyes were perceived of negatively much more often than those with straight eyes when meeting people or applying for jobs.
Strabismus can be treated with glasses, surgery, or sometimes other methods, depending on the cause and severity. Treatment can be effective regardless of the length of time it has been present. Misalignment of the eyes that is new, particularly in older children and adults, should be evaluated immediately.
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