Strabismus: Eye Pain and Headaches Explained

Strabismus headache

I have esotropia (with normal vision), which is not easily noticeable to most people, but upon closer examination, one can tell that I have strabismus.
When I look to the right, both of my eyes hurt (often accompanied by headaches, and when I focus on something, my eyes tend to drift…).
I cannot achieve balance with both eyes; one eye looks straight ahead while the other looks to the right (one eye moves like a typical person, but the left one moves less).
I visited the hospital the day before yesterday, but the doctor said there was no issue (he mentioned that I actually don’t need glasses right now, but he couldn’t identify the problem with my eyes, suggesting that there might not be any other treatment options available, and he just checked my eyes and measured my vision).
However, I feel that my eye condition is definitely not as he described…

L, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/23

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, I believe my eye condition is definitely not like this...
I suggest you consult with another physician.
Wishing you peace and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cai Wenyuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/03/23

More Info

Strabismus, commonly known as squint or crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. This misalignment can lead to various symptoms, including eye pain, headaches, and difficulties with depth perception. In your case, where you experience pain in your eyes and headaches when trying to focus, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms and potential treatment options.

When you have strabismus, your brain receives conflicting visual signals from each eye. This can lead to a condition known as binocular vision dysfunction, where the brain struggles to fuse the images from both eyes into a single coherent image. As a result, your eyes may become strained, leading to discomfort or pain, particularly when you attempt to focus on objects. The pain you experience when looking to the right may be due to the extra effort your eye muscles exert to align the eyes, which can cause muscle fatigue and tension headaches.

The headaches associated with strabismus can often be tension-type headaches, which are characterized by a dull, aching sensation and tightness in the muscles around the head and neck. These headaches can be exacerbated by prolonged periods of focusing, such as reading or using screens, especially if you are straining to maintain proper alignment of your eyes.

It is also worth noting that strabismus can lead to amblyopia, or "lazy eye," if not addressed early, particularly in children. This occurs when the brain starts to ignore the input from one eye to avoid double vision, which can result in permanent vision loss in that eye if not treated.

In terms of treatment, there are several options available depending on the severity and underlying cause of your strabismus. These may include:
1. Vision Therapy: This is a structured program of eye exercises designed to improve coordination and focusing abilities. It can help strengthen the eye muscles and improve the brain's ability to process visual information from both eyes.

2. Prism Glasses: These glasses contain prisms that can help align the images seen by each eye, reducing the strain and discomfort associated with strabismus.

3. Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the alignment of the eyes. This typically involves adjusting the muscles around the eye to achieve better alignment.

4. Regular Eye Exams: It is crucial to have regular check-ups with an eye care professional who can monitor your condition and adjust treatment as necessary.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing screen time, taking regular breaks during tasks that require intense focus, and practicing good posture can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with strabismus.

Given that you have already consulted with a doctor who did not find any significant issues, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from a specialist in strabismus or a neuro-ophthalmologist. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and discuss potential treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

In conclusion, while strabismus can lead to discomfort and headaches, understanding the condition and exploring appropriate treatment options can significantly improve your quality of life. It is essential to advocate for your health and seek further evaluations if you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed.

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