Exotropia

• What is exotropia?

  • Exotropia is a type of strabismus (crossed eyes) where one or both eyes turn outward, away from the nose, instead of aligning properly with the target.

• What causes exotropia?

  • Exotropia can be caused by muscle imbalance, problems with eye movement control, neurological factors, or a combination of these.

• Question 3: Is exotropia a common condition?

  • Yes, exotropia is a relatively common eye condition, especially among children.

• Can exotropia develop later in life?

  • Yes, exotropia can develop later in life due to various factors, including muscle weakness, eye movement control issues, or neurological changes.

• Can exotropia be treated?

  • Yes, exotropia can be treated. Treatment options include corrective eyeglasses, patching, vision therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

• Question 6: How is exotropia diagnosed?

  • An eye care professional conducts a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose exotropia. This includes assessing eye alignment, visual acuity, and other aspects of eye health.

• Can exotropia lead to vision problems?

  • Exotropia itself can lead to visual discomfort, reduced depth perception, and sometimes double vision. However, with appropriate treatment, these issues can often be managed.

• What are the treatment options for exotropia?

  • Treatment options for exotropia may include corrective eyeglasses, patching the stronger eye, vision therapy, and surgery to adjust the alignment of the eye muscles.

• Is surgery the only option for treating exotropia?

  • Surgery is one of the treatment options for exotropia, but the most suitable treatment plan depends on the individual's specific circumstances and severity of the condition.

• Can exotropia improve on its own?

  • In some cases, exotropia can improve on its own, especially with early intervention, appropriate treatment, and regular monitoring.

• Can exotropia cause double vision?

  • Yes, exotropia can sometimes lead to double vision, especially if the eyes are misaligned to a significant degree.

• Can exotropia be hereditary?

  • There can be a genetic predisposition to developing exotropia, but it's not solely determined by genetics. Environmental and other factors can also play a role.

• How can parents identify exotropia in their children?

  • Parents may notice that their child's eyes appear crossed or misaligned. Frequent squinting or tilting of the head to see better can also be signs of exotropia.

• Can exotropia affect a child's school performance?

  • Yes, untreated exotropia can potentially impact a child's school performance due to difficulties with reading, focusing, and overall visual comfort.

• Is exotropia a lifelong condition?

  • With appropriate treatment, many cases of exotropia can be managed effectively, allowing for normal visual function. However, some individuals may require ongoing monitoring or additional interventions.

• Is it possible to have intermittent exotropia?

  • Yes, some individuals with exotropia may experience intermittent outward turning of the eyes, which can be more challenging to detect.

• Can vision therapy help with exotropia?

  • Yes, vision therapy can be a helpful non-surgical approach for managing certain cases of exotropia, especially when the condition is related to issues with eye movement and coordination.

• Is exotropia the same as lazy eye (amblyopia)?

  • No, exotropia and lazy eye (amblyopia) are related conditions but not the same. Exotropia refers to the misalignment of the eyes, while amblyopia involves reduced visual acuity in one eye due to lack of proper visual stimulation during development.

• Can adults develop exotropia?

  • Yes, while exotropia is more commonly diagnosed in children, adults can develop this condition as well, often due to factors like muscle weakness, neurological issues, or changes in health.

• Can exotropia occur in one eye only?

  • Exotropia typically involves both eyes, with one eye turning outward. However, in some cases, individuals might exhibit alternating exotropia, where one eye turns outward while the other remains aligned.

We hope that these answers helped!  Please feel free to call, text, or email us if you have any questions or would like to schedule an evaluation.