Can anything be done for adults with strabismus (misaligned eyes)?
Yes. Adults can benefit from some of the same treatment options that are available to children for treating strabismus. Treatment options may include prismatic glasses and surgery. Most adults with misaligned eyes are able to have successful surgical correction [See figure 1]. It is important consult with an eye surgeon who specializes in strabismus surgery.
Why do adults get strabismus?
Adults may have strabismus either from a residual childhood strabismus or they may acquire strabismus in adulthood. New strabismus that develops in an adult can result from conditions such as thyroid eye disease, stroke or tumors, but often there is no identifiable cause.
Is eye straightening as an adult strictly cosmetic?
No. Eye alignment surgery is performed in adults for several reasons. Adults frequently have disabling double vision because of eye misalignment. Prism glasses or surgery will likely improve the double vision and depth perception. Heavy prism glasses can be uncomfortable and causes distorted vision, surgery can be evaluated by your surgeon to decrease the dependence on prism glasses.
Also, strabismus affects adults in emotional, social, and economical ways. Realigning the eyes can “reconstruct” the abnormal appearance of the eyes providing a better quality of life.