How To Manage Crossed Eyes (Strabismus) In Children

If you have noticed that your child’s eyes are not aligned with each other and do not see in the same direction, then your child might have what it’s called Strabismus or crossed eyes. But need not worry, it is a common eye problem and maybe curable depending on the severity of the condition. Sometimes, children are born with it and in some cases, it is developed in childhood. 

What are the signs and symptoms?

If crossed eyes are diagnosed early then its treatment is quite possible. Talk to a paediatrician or a pediatric ophthalmologist who might suggest some prescription medicines, eye drops or prescription eyewear which you can easily buy from https://www.90daymeds.com/medications/. Some signs of crossed eyes are as follows:

  • double vision
  • crossed eyes
  • eyes that do not appear straight or even
  • eyes that do not move together
  • The trouble with vision 

The doctors may also suggest some exercises for your child which might improve the condition. 

  1. Pencil pushups

Pencil pushups are simple but effective eye exercise which involves getting both eyes to focus on a fixed point. To do this, hold a pencil at an arm’s length pointing away from the child. Focus the gaze of the child on the eraser or a numeral or a letter on its side. Slowly move the pencil toward the bridge of the child’s nose and ask them to keep it in focus as long as they can. Ask them to stop once their vision starts to get blurry. 

  1. Brock string

This exercise is believed to improve eye coordination. Take a string of about 5 feet long with three different coloured beads. Secure one end of the string to a stationary point such as the back of a chair. Space the beads at equal distances. Hold the other end of the string tightly to your child’s nose. Ask the child to focus on the beads one by one. The child should be able to see the beads at an intersection of two identical strings forming an X. Repeat this exercise till the last beads. 

  1. Barrel cards

Draw three barrels of increasing size in red lengthwise on one side of a card. Do the same thing in green colour on the other side. Hold the cards lengthwise and vertically against your child’s nose. Ask them to stare at the far barrel until it becomes one with both colours and the other two barrel images have doubled. Maintain this gaze for five seconds. 

Matthew Benson

Matthew Benson