Photo of Anna Maria by Francesca Cesari/francescacesari.com as featured in Face to Face with Strabismus. (c) Francesca Cesari and Lucia Wilson
What is strabismus?
Strabismus is a condition where the eyes are not aligned perfectly and therefore point in different directions. There are two main types of strabismus. Congenital or childhood strabismus is seen in children or young adults and is present either at birth or in the first few years of life. It tends to be primarily horizontal and measures the same in every direction of gaze. Children tend not to get double vision with strabismus as their brains are more adaptable. However, it can be associated with a lazy eye or the need for glasses which are usually treated before the eye misalignment can be corrected. No one really knows why some children develop strabismus, but we know that prematurity and a family history of strabismus make it more likely. In contrast, adults tend to present with acquired strabismus, which is usually following a discrete event such as trauma or stroke or alternatively associated with age or high refractive disorders like myopia etc. This kind of strabismus tends to be usually associated with double vision and therefore, is treated differently with glasses, toxin, or surgery.
Prof. Saurabh Jain, extract from Face to Face with Strabismus.
The summary from Prof Jain above is a clear explanation of strabismus. We also have a separate page called What is Strabismus? which you can find in the menu. As an adult with strabismus, you may wish to share this medical information with your family and other loved ones so that they can understand more about your eye condition.
Phase One of strabismus-support.co.uk
For Phase One of our website, we will focus on the harmful psycho-social impact of living with strabismus, the day-to-day challenges of this complex condition. Psychologist, Dr Silvia Riva, has shared some important observations on the psychological impact in adults and children on her page. In addition, she offers advice and guidance which I am sure you will find interesting and supportive to those of you who have strabismus, and also for parents caring for children with the condition.
Here is an extract from Dr Riva’s page where she describes some of the issues:
- Self-Esteem and Body Image: Children and adults with strabismus may become acutely self-conscious due to their appearance, leading to low self-esteem and a negative body image. This can be particularly challenging in school or social settings, where they may feel judged by peers. Over time, this can impact their confidence and willingness to engage in social activities, potentially limiting their development.
- Social Anxiety: The fear of negative reactions or being misunderstood often leads to social anxiety in children and adults with strabismus. They may shy away from group activities, sports, or social gatherings, fearing scrutiny or teasing. This avoidance behaviour can result in social isolation, which may contribute to loneliness and hinder social skills development.
- Emotional Distress: Living with a visible condition can place a long-term psychological burden on children, sometimes leading to depression and emotional exhaustion. They may feel as though their condition defines them, especially if they are excluded from activities or treated differently by others. This can lead to frustration and a sense of loss, especially if their condition prevents them from participating fully in activities they enjoy.
- Fear of Stigma: Many patients with strabismus worry about being misjudged or seen as different, which can lead to stress and feelings of marginalisation. Misunderstandings and stereotypes about visible conditions may make children and adults feel isolated or less capable, impacting their self-worth and aspirations for the future.
Do visit Dr Riva’s page to read more.
In our Strabismus Journal you will find posts related to work, social mobility and other issues that can affect strabismus sufferers. We will be updating the Strabismus Journal regularly so please do visit us again and subscribe to the blog.