subject: What Is Strabismus And Exotropia? [print this page] Exotropia is a type of strabismus or squintExotropia is a type of strabismus or squint. People with exotropia often appear with their eyes turning outward. When someones one eye or both eyes turns outward, the brain cant form a single image. If left untreated, strabismus may lead to binocular vision. Exoptropia is more common in children. For example, when they read a book close to them, their eyes cant work together properly, strabismus occures instead of focusing to the object. And children with exotropia are more likely to develop psychiatric disorders than normal ones.
Although the exact causes of exotropia are still remain unknown, the function lost of one or more of the six musecles around the eye may cause strabismus. Other disease such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome, hydrocephalus, and brain tumors can also cause strabismus.
Since children with strabismus often not very clearly know what happened to their eyes. When they close one eye and just use one eye for seeing, it is necessary for the parents to make sure if there is any signs of strabismus. Eye glasses, orthoptic exercises, prismatic correction, or eye muscle surgery may be used to treat exotropia depending on the eye examination results of ocular motility and internal ocular structures. When a child needs muscle surgery, the operation is more likely to be performed before their school age. This is easier for the child and gives the eyes a better chance to recover. Although all surgeries have risks, strabismus surgery is usually safe and effective.
