Strabismus

Question 1

What is strabismus?

Answer 1

Strabismus is a condition where the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions.

Question 2

What are the types of strabismus?

Answer 2

Esotropia (inward turning), exotropia (outward turning), hypertropia (upward turning), and hypotropia (downward turning).

Question 3

What are the common symptoms of strabismus?

Answer 3

Double vision (diplopia), eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with depth perception.

Question 4

What is the aetiology of strabismus?

Answer 4

It can be congenital, acquired, or secondary to neurological, muscular, or refractive issues.

Question 5

What is the difference between concomitant and incomitant strabismus?

Answer 5

Concomitant strabismus shows consistent deviation regardless of gaze direction; incomitant varies with gaze.

Question 6

What is the prevalence of strabismus?

Answer 6

It affects approximately 2-4% of the population, commonly seen in children.

Question 7

What are the risk factors for strabismus?

Answer 7

Family history, premature birth, low birth weight, neurological conditions, and refractive errors.

Question 8

What is amblyopia, and how is it related to strabismus?

Answer 8

Amblyopia (“lazy eye”) is reduced vision in one eye due to poor visual development, often caused by strabismus.

Question 9

What are the clinical signs of strabismus?

Answer 9

Misaligned eyes, abnormal head posture, and suppression of one eye in visual tasks.

Question 10

What is the Hirschberg test?

Answer 10

A test to assess strabismus by observing the reflection of light on the corneas.

Question 11

What is the cover test?

Answer 11

A test used to identify strabismus by covering one eye and observing the movement of the uncovered eye.

Question 12

What is the alternate cover test?

Answer 12

A test to detect latent strabismus (phoria) by alternately covering each eye and observing movement.

Question 13

What investigations are needed for strabismus?

Answer 13

Comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity, ocular motility, and sometimes imaging if neurological causes are suspected.

Question 14

What are the differential diagnoses for strabismus?

Answer 14

Pseudostrabismus, cranial nerve palsies, thyroid eye disease, or orbital trauma.

Question 15

What is the conservative management of strabismus?

Answer 15

Corrective glasses, prism lenses, and patching therapy for amblyopia.

Question 16

What is the surgical treatment for strabismus?

Answer 16

Eye muscle surgery to align the eyes by strengthening, weakening, or repositioning the muscles.

Question 17

What is botulinum toxin used for in strabismus?

Answer 17

It is injected into extraocular muscles to temporarily weaken them and correct alignment.

Question 18

What are the complications of untreated strabismus?

Answer 18

Permanent vision loss in the weaker eye (amblyopia) and social or psychological impact.

Question 19

What is the role of vision therapy in strabismus management?

Answer 19

Vision therapy involves exercises to improve eye coordination and focus.

Question 20

What is congenital esotropia?

Answer 20

A type of strabismus present at birth or within the first six months, characterised by inward turning of the eyes.

Question 21

What is intermittent exotropia?

Answer 21

A condition where the eyes turn outward intermittently, often noticeable when tired or distracted.

Question 22

What is pseudostrabismus?

Answer 22

A false appearance of misaligned eyes, often due to facial structure, with no actual misalignment.

Question 23

What systemic conditions can cause strabismus?

Answer 23

Neurological disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy, stroke) or thyroid eye disease.

Question 24

Why is early detection of strabismus important?

Answer 24

Early detection allows prompt treatment to prevent amblyopia and improve binocular vision.

Question 25

What is the prognosis for strabismus with treatment?

Answer 25

With early and appropriate treatment, most patients achieve good alignment and vision.