Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) affects three to five per cent of the general population. It is often associated with amblyopia, otherwise known as a lazy eye (failure of normal visual development) and reduced or absent binocular (stereoscopic) vision. Thus early diagnosis and treatment enables optimal visual outcomes. The associated poor cosmetic appearance may also interfere with social and psychological development.
Twin, population and family studies suggest there is a genetic component to strabismus. Research allows better understanding of the mechanism by which strabismus occurs, identifying those at higher risk and the potential to develop new treatments. Good vision in childhood is essential to the proper development of vision into adulthood.
