the Connection Between Strabismus and Dizziness: A Patient's Journey

Q: the Connection Between Strabismus and Dizziness: A Patient's Journey

Hello, Dizziness： Based on your description, you may have latent strabismus. <br>As you age, the convergence ability of the eyes decreases, which can sometimes lead to manifest strabismus. <br>To compensate, greater effort is required, resulting in muscle soreness and dizziness.

I'm not sure if my latent strabismus has worsened, causing dizziness?

Hello doctor, I have had latent strabismus since childhood.
About five years ago, I started experiencing severe soreness and pain around my eyelids, which was constant and made me want to press and relax the area.
At night, it was even more uncomfortable, and I also felt a tingling sensation that spread to the inside of my mouth near the molars.
One day, the soreness around my eyes disappeared, but I noticed that my vision seemed slightly less clear than before (though it wasn't to the extent of double vision).
A few years ago, there were times when my vision would suddenly become clearer, but now that has stopped.
When sitting in front of the computer, I habitually place my hand in front of my nose, which seems to help me see better and prevents my eyes from wandering when reading text.
Since I was very young, I have had a sensation that my eyes feel like they are sinking into mud.
When reading horizontally formatted text, like on Wikipedia, my eyes struggle to move, and I often feel like my eyes are spinning in circles, requiring a lot of willpower to focus (which drains my concentration).
I used to do convergence exercises occasionally (though I would sometimes skip them, and the frequency decreased over time until I stopped altogether, which likely worsened my condition).
I have been using the same prescription glasses for five years, with both eyes having myopia of 200-300 degrees and astigmatism of 50-100 degrees, without feeling any deterioration in vision (though the strabismus seems to have worsened).
About six months ago, I started experiencing dizziness, but not the spinning kind; it feels more like my attention is being eroded, and I often find myself zoning out.
When I take off my glasses, I notice that this sensation completely disappears! Initially, I suspected it was an issue with my glasses (but I felt my vision hadn't worsened), so I went for an eye exam, and the results showed a similar prescription (the optometrist said my previous prescription was too strong, causing my ciliary muscles to be too tense...
and that I would need to adapt to the new glasses).
After wearing them, I still felt dizzy (so now I take my glasses off).
Interestingly, when I take off my glasses, I can see static objects like my phone clearly without feeling dizzy (which is quite remarkable).
I'm not sure if my strabismus has worsened, causing this dizziness.
Recently, I read an article stating that doing convergence exercises six times a day for five minutes each can help correct this issue, so I have started training more frequently.
I also read that wearing glasses with a higher prescription can help train the eye muscles.
Is this really effective? Will the convergence of the eyeballs be trained, similar to when focusing on near objects? This is my first time using this website.

Tou Yun Zi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/02

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Dizziness: Based on your description, you may have latent strabismus.
As you age, the convergence ability of the eyes decreases, which can sometimes lead to manifest strabismus.
To compensate, greater effort is required, resulting in muscle soreness and dizziness.
When wearing glasses for myopia, you may feel discomfort, but removing them allows for more relaxation, which explains your symptoms.
It seems you haven't consulted an ophthalmologist; I recommend visiting a clinic specializing in strabismus and amblyopia for a thorough examination to determine if surgery is necessary for correction.
Training for cross-eyed conditions may only lead to increased eye fatigue and exacerbated dizziness.
In Taiwan, the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital is available: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if needed.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2021/03/02

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 visual disturbances, including double vision, blurred vision, and in some cases, dizziness or a sensation of imbalance. Your experience with strabismus and the associated symptoms of eye discomfort, visual clarity issues, and dizziness is not uncommon among individuals with this condition.

Understanding the Connection Between Strabismus and Dizziness
The relationship between strabismus and dizziness can be attributed to several factors. When the eyes are misaligned, the brain receives conflicting visual information from each eye. This can lead to difficulties in depth perception and spatial awareness, which may manifest as dizziness or a feeling of disorientation. Additionally, the muscles that control eye movement may become strained or fatigued due to the effort required to maintain focus, leading to discomfort and further exacerbating the sensation of dizziness.

In your case, the discomfort in your eyelids and the sensation of pressure in the eye area could indicate muscle fatigue or strain from the effort of trying to align your vision. The fact that you experience relief when removing your glasses suggests that the prescription may not be adequately addressing your visual needs, particularly in the context of your strabismus.

The Role of Eye Exercises
Eye exercises, such as those used in vision therapy, can be beneficial for individuals with strabismus. These exercises aim to strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination between the eyes. The suggestion to perform convergence exercises (often referred to as "crossed-eye training") can help train the eyes to work together more effectively. This type of training can enhance the ability to focus on near objects, which may alleviate some of the discomfort and visual disturbances you are experiencing.

Wearing glasses with a slightly higher prescription than your current one can also be a strategy to help your eyes adapt and strengthen. However, it is essential to consult with an eye care professional before making any changes to your prescription or starting a new exercise regimen. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific condition and visual needs.

Addressing Your Symptoms
1. Dizziness: Since you mentioned that the dizziness is alleviated when you remove your glasses, it may be worthwhile to explore alternative prescriptions or even consider a trial period without glasses to see if your symptoms improve. This could help determine if the glasses are contributing to your dizziness.

2. Eye Discomfort: The discomfort in your eyelids and surrounding areas may be related to muscle strain. Regular breaks from screen time, proper lighting, and practicing eye relaxation techniques can help reduce strain.

3. Visual Clarity: If you notice that your vision is clearer without glasses, it might indicate that your current prescription is not optimal. A comprehensive eye exam, including assessments for strabismus and binocular vision, is crucial to ensure that your visual needs are being met.

Conclusion
Your journey with strabismus and the associated symptoms of dizziness and discomfort is complex and requires a multifaceted approach. Engaging in eye exercises, consulting with an eye care professional for a thorough evaluation, and possibly adjusting your eyewear can contribute to improving your visual comfort and reducing dizziness. Remember, consistency in exercises and regular follow-ups with your eye care provider are key to managing strabismus effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Chronic Dizziness and Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with a tendency to feel dizzy from hunger as a child, often without realizing it (not feeling hungry or wanting to eat). Now, I eat three meals on time, but I still experience dizziness for no apparent reason. Sometimes I have migraines (mostly on th...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Your symptoms seem to be more related to neurology. Regarding the central nervous system: 1. You experience motion sickness almost every time you are in a vehicle, and strong odors also make you feel dizzy (possibly a variant of migraine?). 2. You often choke when drinking...

Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Solutions for Eye Movement Issues

Director Yeh, I apologize for the interruption. Recently, I have been experiencing dizziness whenever my eyes move rapidly, or when I shift my focus from near to far and vice versa. I am unsure how to address this issue and would greatly appreciate your guidance. Thank you very m...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Sir, I recommend that you avoid that type of exercise. Additionally, using medication may lead to improvement. Attached is an article for your reference: A Discussion on Dizziness: A Voice from a Dizziness Specialist I often treat patients with dizziness in my clinic. From...

Understanding Dizziness Triggered by Eye Movements

Hello Doctor: Whenever I move both eyes simultaneously in the same larger direction (up left, directly up, or up right) or focus on a small object, I experience dizziness. An ophthalmologist has examined me and found no signs of strabismus, presbyopia, or myopia. What could be th...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, if you have already been examined by an ophthalmologist and there are no issues with refractive error or strabismus, then this type of postural dizziness may require a consultation with a neurologist. Dizziness primarily falls within the scope of neurology and otolaryngolo...

Struggling to Focus: Understanding Eye Movement Issues and Dizziness

Hello Doctor: When I am in a vehicle or walking, I experience a sensation of my eyes shaking when I see moving cars, which makes it difficult to focus. This leads to feelings of dizziness and tension. The dizziness feels as though my body is still, but the objects in front of me ...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: You may first visit an ophthalmologist for an examination. If there are no issues, it may be related to vertigo or nystagmus. You can then consult an otolaryngologist or a neurologist for further evaluation. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, D...