For many people, the question of how to correct strabismus is relevant. This ailment causes vision problems, and can also cause some inconvenience associated with external manifestations. Fortunately, if treatment is started in a timely manner, it is likely to achieve positive results.
What is strabismus?
Strabismus is a dissonant displacement of the eyes. In this case, their normal location relative to the central axis is observed. This problem may be characteristic of one or both eyes. If you do not start treatment on time, there is a risk of permanently losing your sharpness of vision and the ability to focus.
According to statistics, for every fortieth child, strabismus is expressed to one degree or another. The first manifestations can be seen during the period when the main reflexes and body functions begin to form. Fortunately, strabismus has specific external manifestations that are easy to notice, which makes it possible to start treatment in a timely manner.
Strabismus
The answer to the question of how to correct strabismus largely depends on the form in which the disease appears. Three options are possible:
- Friendly - eyes mow alternately.
- Separate - the eyes mow at the same time, regardless of how strong the displacement is.
- Alternately synchronous - the eyes mow at the same time, but to the extent that they are displaced.
Causes of Strabismus
Before you figure out how to correct strabismus, you should find out about the causes of this disease. In most cases, it is associated with a genetic predisposition or intrauterine developmental problems. It is impossible to identify this problem until it begins to receive specific external manifestations (by 7-10 years).
In rare cases, strabismus is acquired. This problem may be caused by the following reasons:
- different visual acuity leads to the fact that one eye has a large load when focusing;
- various acquired diseases that lead to strabismus;
- diseases of the central nervous system, which, one way or another, affected the visual department;
- diseases of the ENT organs.
Possible consequences
In order to realize the importance of the question of how to correct strabismus, it is worthwhile to understand the possible consequences. Many people prefer to stay inactive, considering this defect cosmetic. Nevertheless, this is a serious disease that can lead to irreparable consequences.
The main danger of strabismus is that the work of the eye muscles becomes inconsistent. In this case, the brain receives 2 different pictures. As a result, ghosting can be observed. But in most cases, the brain begins to suppress the signal coming from the sore eye. As a result, there is a strong visual impairment, up to its complete loss.
Exercises for children
Parents are increasingly wondering about how to correct strabismus in a child. A simple set of exercises has been developed for kids, including the following points:
- On two sheets of paper similar images should be applied with minor differences (it is desirable that the plots be fabulous in order to interest the child). Sit the baby down evenly and place the pictures at eye level. Without moving his head, but only by turning his eyes, he must examine them, having discovered the differences.
- In a board, a piece of plastic or a sheet of thick cardboard, you need to make several holes on the same level. Keeping the equipment at a certain distance, give the child a string, which he must pass through each hole in turn.
- A sheet of paper must be drawn into equal squares. With a felt-tip pen, draw schematic drawings (rhombuses, triangles, etc.), filling them with all the free field. The child’s task will be to find duplicate elements.
Adult Exercises
In search of an answer to the question of how to correct strabismus in adults, it is almost always a question of surgical intervention. Nevertheless, do not underestimate the effects of gymnastics. So, for adults, as well as older children, the following exercises are suitable:
- Stand straight and stretch your hand forward with your index finger. Start by slowly moving your hand up, down, and to the sides. The head should remain motionless, and the eyes should closely monitor the index finger.
- Sit upright looking in front of you. Begin to describe with your eyes the sign of infinity. The amplitude should be maximum so that extreme stress is felt at the extreme points. The exercise is smooth. Duration - 5 minutes.
- To treat strabismus, a game with moving objects (for example, table tennis) is useful, on which you need to focus close attention. If you do not see the potential of a player in yourself, you can be present as a spectator.
- When working with documents, at computers, or while watching TV, periodically be distracted to shift focus to nearby objects.
A bit about nutrition
If you want to find the answer to the question of how to correct strabismus at home, it is worthwhile to understand that some exercises are not enough. Like any other disease, ophthalmic problems require proper nutrition. So, for a more effective treatment of strabismus, it is worth including the following products in the diet:
- natural dark chocolate (daily after breakfast you need to eat 2-3 slices);
- tea can sometimes be replaced with a rosehip broth, which contains a lot of vitamins in its composition;
- strengthening of the eye muscle contributes to a decoction of calamus root (10 grams of raw materials per glass of water), which is consumed half an hour before meals;
- several times a day you need to eat boiled cabbage leaves (they not only improve vision, but also contribute to the general cleansing of the body).
Conservative treatment
It is necessary to distinguish between primary strabismus, which is congenital and acts in conjunction with other diseases of the central nervous system, as well as secondary, which is directly related to the visual apparatus. Treatment will be fundamentally different. The secondary problem requires eye intervention, and therefore it is important to choose a good ophthalmic clinic. When you decide where to correct strabismus, you will be offered the following treatment program:
- wearing medical glasses that relieve eyestrain and allow you to look directly;
- hardware training of the eye muscles (laser, ultrasound, magnetic or other methods can be applied);
- in the event that during the year it was not possible to achieve positive dynamics, surgical intervention may be required.
Surgical intervention
In search of a way to correct strabismus, surgery is considered an extreme measure. Surgical intervention can be of two types:
- Weakening - the eye muscles move further from the cornea, which allows the eye to take a normal (or close to normal) position.
- Strengthening - a small fragment of the eye muscle is removed, which leads to a decrease in its length. Thus, the balance of the eyeball is restored.
Strabismus Prevention
Do strabismus correct? Of course, there are methods of treating congenital and acquired forms of this disease. As for the second case, prevention will help prevent it. Avoid prolonged focus on one subject, reading and watching TV in an uncomfortable position. But the most important thing is to regularly perform eye exercises, which includes such exercises:
- rotate the pupils clockwise for several seconds, and then change direction;
- look to the right, and then sharply turn your gaze to the left (change the position of the pupils 10 times);
- look up, then sharply down, and then up again (as in the previous case, 10 repetitions are enough);
- bring the pupils to the bridge of the nose as close as possible to feel a strong tension (5 times);
- tighten your eyes tightly, and after a few seconds, relax (repeat 5 times);
- blink vigorously for 30-60 seconds;
- select 2 objects that will be at different distances from you, then alternately focus on them.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, many people are not serious about strabismus, considering this problem to be purely cosmetic. However, if the disease is not treated, there is a risk of significantly worsening or losing vision. It is quite possible to cope with squint. For this, conservative and surgical techniques are provided. But even if you decide to deal with the problem at home, do not forget about regular visits to a specialist.