Child with sparkling, misaligned eyes

Squint-Eyed: Understanding Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) in Children

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Early detection and treatment are key to correcting strabismus and preventing long-term vision problems. Find out more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available."

Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes or squint, is a condition where the eyes don't align properly and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment can lead to double vision, reduced depth perception, and amblyopia (lazy eye) if left untreated.

While strabismus can occur at any age, it is most common in children. Recognizing the signs and seeking early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term vision problems. A recent study conducted in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, shed light on the prevalence, types, and characteristics of strabismus among children in the region.

This article delves into the findings of the Lubumbashi study, exploring the key aspects of strabismus in children, including its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Understanding this condition is the first step towards ensuring timely and effective care for affected children.

Decoding the Lubumbashi Study: What Did Researchers Find?

The study, conducted between December 2012 and December 2013 in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, involved 102 children diagnosed with manifest strabismus out of a total of 20,579 children. Researchers collected data on various factors, including age, sex, family history, type of strabismus, and refractive errors. Here are some of the key findings:

The study revealed that strabismus affected 0.5% of the children in Lubumbashi. The most common age group affected was between 0 and 5 years (44.28% of cases). The average age of diagnosis was 6.7 years. There was a slight predominance of females (51.42%) compared to males (48.57%).

Esotropia Dominance: Esotropia, where one eye turns inward, was the most prevalent type of strabismus (65.71% of cases).
Hereditary Links: Family history played a role, with approximately 30% of cases having a family history of strabismus.
Early Onset: In most cases (74.28%), strabismus was detected early in life.
Refractive Errors: Hypermetropia (farsightedness) was the most common refractive error associated with strabismus.

These findings align with studies conducted in other parts of the world, reinforcing the importance of early detection, comprehensive eye exams, and appropriate management of strabismus in children.

Taking Action: What Can Parents and Caregivers Do?

If you suspect your child has strabismus, it is essential to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye examination. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve vision outcomes and prevent long-term complications. Treatment options may include eyeglasses, vision therapy, patching, or surgery. With timely intervention, children with strabismus can achieve normal vision and lead fulfilling lives.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is Strabismus and how does it affect a child's vision?

Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes don't align properly, pointing in different directions. This misalignment can lead to double vision, reduced depth perception, and amblyopia (lazy eye) if left untreated. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent these long-term vision problems.

What did the study in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo reveal about Strabismus in children?

The study in Lubumbashi found that strabismus affected 0.5% of the children studied. Esotropia, where one eye turns inward, was the most common type. The study also highlighted the role of family history, early onset, and the association with refractive errors like hypermetropia (farsightedness) in strabismus cases.

How significant is family history in cases of Strabismus, based on the Lubumbashi study?

According to the Lubumbashi study, family history plays a notable role in strabismus, with approximately 30% of cases having a family history of the condition. This suggests a potential genetic component influencing the development of strabismus in children. While not all cases are hereditary, this finding emphasizes the importance of considering family history during diagnosis and risk assessment.

What should parents and caregivers do if they suspect their child has Strabismus?

The Lubumbashi study identified hypermetropia as a common refractive error associated with strabismus. How does hypermetropia contribute to the development or manifestation of strabismus, specifically esotropia, and what are the implications for treatment strategies?

Hypermetropia, or farsightedness, can contribute to the development of esotropia (inward turning of the eye) because the child's eye muscles have to work harder to focus on near objects. This excessive focusing effort, known as accommodation, can trigger an inward deviation of the eyes in some children. The link between hypermetropia and esotropia suggests that correcting the refractive error with eyeglasses is often a crucial first step in the treatment of strabismus. By reducing the need for excessive accommodation, eyeglasses can help to straighten the eyes and improve binocular vision. In some cases, eyeglasses alone may be sufficient to correct the strabismus, while in others, they may be used in combination with other treatments such as vision therapy, patching, or surgery.