Strabismus is a condition when the two eyes are not aligned and may not move together.

Strabismus may occur shortly after birth, present at the age of 2-4 years, or in adulthood.

In children under the age of 9 years, it important to evaluate whether both eyes are seeing equally. If one eye has better vision than the other, the “lazy eye” is termed amblyopic. Before any surgery is considered, the amblyopic eye must be strengthened by patching the good eye. This can be traumatic for the child and parents alike. The earlier this is detected the easier it is to treat. Dr. Matzkin has wide experience with managing this type of problem. While undergoing training in South African Dr. Matzkin worked with Professor A.D.N. Murray, a world-renowned strabismologist. Murray pioneered a technique using adjustable sutures to more accurately treat strabismus. This is a technique that now Dr. Matzkin often employs during surgery.

A condition called accommodative esotropia which presents with in-turning eyes at age 2-4 years is often effectively treated with glasses. Otherwise surgery is indicated to align the eyes once the amblyopia has been treated. Prism glasses are sometimes used to treat double vision and strabismus in adults.

Note: It is never too early for children to have their eyes checked for amblyopia, lazy eye, or strabismus. Dr. Matzkin recommends that your child be evaluated by an experienced ophthalmologist by the age of one year and again at three years to diagnose lazy eye and strabismus. Don’t wait for a preschool screening by a nurse or pediatrician.