Eye Alignment
Strabismus treatment for children & adults
In short
Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes — one eye may turn in, out, up, or down. In children it can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye); in adults it can cause double vision. Treatment may include glasses, patching, prism lenses, Botox injections, or eye-muscle surgery.
- Who it's for
- Infants, children, and adults with eye misalignment or double vision
- Treatment options
- Glasses, patching, prisms, Botox, surgery (including adjustable sutures)
- Offered at
- Falls Church · Fairfax · Alexandria
What are the signs of strabismus?
- An eye that turns in, out, up, or down — all the time or only when tired
- Squinting or closing one eye in bright light
- Tilting or turning the head to see
- Double vision (more common in adults)
- Poor depth perception
Why is early treatment important for children?
A child's brain may begin ignoring the image from a misaligned eye, which can cause permanent vision loss in that eye (amblyopia) if not treated during childhood. Early evaluation gives the best chance for good vision and alignment.
How is strabismus treated?
- Glasses to correct focusing problems that drive the eye turn
- Patching or eye drops to strengthen a weaker eye
- Prism lenses to reduce double vision
- Botox injections into an eye muscle in selected cases
- Eye-muscle surgery, including adjustable-suture techniques for adults, to realign the eyes
Frequently asked questions
Can adults have strabismus surgery?
Yes. Adults can benefit from strabismus surgery to relieve double vision, improve alignment, and expand side vision. It is not purely cosmetic.
Will my child outgrow crossed eyes?
Occasional eye drifting can be normal in the first few months of life, but an eye turn that persists after about four months of age should be evaluated by a pediatric ophthalmologist.
Is strabismus surgery an outpatient procedure?
Yes. Strabismus surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients go home the same day.
Doctors who provide this care
Nancy A. Morrison, M.D.
Pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus
- Pediatric & Strabismus
- Oculoplastics
Related care
Pediatric Eye Care
Gentle, expert eye care from infancy through the teen years.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Check your vision and screen for silent eye disease.
Oculoplastics (Eyelid Surgery)
Functional and cosmetic care for eyelids and tear drainage.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an exam. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Ready to schedule?
Request an appointment online or call the office closest to you.
- Falls Church(703) 534-3900
- Fairfax(703) 620-2701
- Alexandria(703) 922-0906