Crossed eyes or double vision (strabismus)

The following doctors on our team specialise in the treatment of strabismus:
Dr. Vandekerckhove and Dr. Vereecken.

What is strabismus?

Strabismus, also known as ‘crossed eyes’, is a vision disorder whereby the eye movements do not line up in the same direction. Sometimes, the sharpness of vision is not the same in the two eyes. Mostly, one eye is noticeably different. This can be a sign of a so-called ‘lazy eye’. It is therefore important to test your vision and if necessary improve it first by wearing glasses and covering the better eye.
The eye affected by strabismus may look inwards, outwards or even up or down. Essentially, the balance between the two eyes is disrupted. Strabismus appears mainly in children and begins soon after birth or a bit later. As an adult, you can also develop strabismus after an accident, a nerve disease or a stroke.

Treatment of strabismus

If you want have your child’s eyes ‘corrected’, you can opt for an operation for strabismus. As an adult, you can also opt for this operation on the eye muscle. It is important to know that this procedure is intended to shorten or move your eye muscles, so that your eyes are once again the same. With this procedure, only the eye muscles are treated, and so your visual acuity will not improve as a result. Often, one operation is enough to improve the eye position, but sometimes several operations are needed to achieve an optimal result.

The procedure

An operation for strabismus is carried out under general anaesthetic in an outpatient ward of a hospital. The parent or guardian can stay with the child until he or she is under anaesthetic.

Normally, the patient feels very little pain in the eyes after the operation and in principle can do everything. A week after the operation, we schedule a check-up with the orthoptist.

How much does an operation for strabismus cost?

During the consultation, we will explain the costs of your specific treatment. This treatment is covered by medical insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is strabismus and what are the causes in children and adults?

Strabismus, or a squint, is an eye condition in which the coordination between both eyes is disturbed. The squinting eye can deviate inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards. In children, strabismus can appear shortly after birth or in the first years of life. At a later age, strabismus can develop after an accident, a nerve disorder or a stroke.

How does strabismus surgery work and what are the experiences in adults?

During strabismus surgery, we shorten or reposition the eye muscles so that the alignment of both eyes is restored. At Eyecenter oogartsen this procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. One operation is often sufficient, although a second procedure may be necessary in some cases. Pain after the operation remains limited, and a follow-up check with the orthoptist takes place a week later.

Is double vision dangerous and when should you see an ophthalmologist?

Sudden onset of double vision can indicate a serious underlying condition such as a nerve disease or a stroke. In such a case, it is best to contact an ophthalmologist immediately. Double vision is also associated with strabismus, a condition in which the cooperation between both eyes is disturbed. At Eyecenter oogartsen our ophthalmologist will investigate which treatment is appropriate for your situation.