Strabismus (Eye Turn)
Strabismus is a condition in which the two eyes do not aim at the same target together. Depending on the type and severity, treatment may include glasses, prism, vision therapy, surgery, or a combination.
Also known as: Eye Turn · Crossed Eyes · Wandering Eye · Esotropia · Exotropia
What Strabismus (Eye Turn) Is
Strabismus is a condition in which the two eyes do not align on the same target. One eye may turn in (esotropia), out (exotropia), up, or down — either constantly or only in certain situations.
Strabismus can be present from early childhood or can develop later in life. Some types are subtle and only appear under stress, fatigue, or during sustained visual tasks — these are sometimes missed by standard screenings but can still affect daily visual comfort.
Because strabismus affects how the two eyes work together, it can impact depth perception, reading, coordination, and sustained near work — even when each eye on its own can see clearly.
Signs You May Notice
- Visible eye turn — constant or intermittent
- Double vision
- Closing or covering one eye to see better
- Head tilt or turn to align the eyes
- Poor depth perception
- Avoidance of reading or close-up work
- Clumsiness, bumping into things, missing steps
How It Affects Everyday Life
Strabismus affects more than appearance. Because the eyes are not aligning on the same target, the brain is receiving two conflicting images, which often leads to either suppression of one eye or double vision. In children, this can interfere with reading, schoolwork, and sports. In adults, it may cause fatigue, headaches, or difficulty with activities that require depth judgment.
How It Is Identified
Strabismus is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam with attention to eye alignment in various gazes and distances, binocular vision testing, and sometimes specialized measurements of the angle and nature of the eye turn.
Pediatric eye exams are strongly recommended because some types of strabismus are most effectively addressed when caught early.
How Vision Therapy Can Help
Vision therapy can be a meaningful part of strabismus care, especially for intermittent strabismus, convergence excess or insufficiency, or post-surgical support when further binocular development is needed.
The role of vision therapy depends heavily on the type of strabismus, age of onset, and whether surgery is part of care. That is why a comprehensive evaluation with an optometrist experienced in binocular vision is essential.
How SuccessfulSight™ Addresses Strabismus (Eye Turn)
SuccessfulSight™ is a complete virtual vision therapy program prescribed through a participating optometrist. For patients whose strabismus care includes active vision therapy — and whose optometrist determines a home-based virtual format is appropriate — SuccessfulSight™ can deliver that therapy with structure and support.
Some strabismus cases require a higher level of in-person, hands-on care than a virtual model can provide. In those situations, an in-office therapy model or other treatment may be the better fit — and the evaluation helps determine which format is right.
Related Skill Areas the Program Addresses
Is SuccessfulSight™ Right for This?
SuccessfulSight™ is designed for patients ages 6 and up. Strabismus care for younger children is often specialized and should be managed directly with a pediatric eye care provider. For older patients whose participating optometrist has identified strabismus-related vision therapy needs, SuccessfulSight™ may be a fit.
Common Questions
Does strabismus always require surgery?
No. Treatment depends on the type of strabismus. Some cases are managed with glasses, prism, vision therapy, or a combination. Others benefit from surgery, sometimes followed by vision therapy to support post-surgical binocular development. Your prescribing optometrist helps determine the right approach.
Can adults with strabismus be helped?
Yes. Many adults with strabismus benefit from care that addresses binocular function, reduces symptoms, and — in some cases — improves alignment. Options include lenses, prism, vision therapy, and surgery. A comprehensive evaluation is the right starting point.
Is vision therapy effective for strabismus?
For certain types of strabismus, yes. Research supports vision therapy as an appropriate intervention for conditions like intermittent strabismus and certain binocular vision disorders. The right answer for any individual patient comes from a comprehensive evaluation.
Talk to a Participating Optometrist
The best next step is a comprehensive evaluation. A participating optometrist can determine whether strabismus (eye turn) is present and whether SuccessfulSight™ is the right fit.