Paralytic strabismus (ICD-10 - H49) is a rather rare and very undesirable phenomenon that can be observed in people of different ages. Next, we consider the main features of this eye pathology, its symptoms, the causes of formation, as well as possible treatment options.
general characteristics
Speaking about the general characteristics of paralytic strabismus and the treatment of pathology, it is worth noting its main features.
The problem under consideration manifests itself visually - in a person, one eye begins to mow noticeably. As regards the patient himself, he can diagnose the presence of such a problem on his own, without the help of unauthorized persons, because with this pathology, a significant distortion of the visible picture of the surrounding world is observed. Practice shows that in the presence of the defect in question, a person cannot normally perform even the simplest work.
Specialists in the field of ophthalmology claim that if you ignore the problem, you can get serious problems with vision, up to its complete loss. However, it is worth noting that with the timely and competent elimination of the pathology, such a danger can be guaranteed to be avoided.
Pathology definition
How is the violation considered determined? It is worth noting that the diagnosis of paralytic strabismus can be done even visually, however, any ophthalmologist, conducting an examination, is obliged to study the problem in more detail, making a number of specific measurements, as well as assessing the field of view. All these actions are carried out by carrying out the following procedures in the prescribed manner:
- Examining the eye with an ophthalmoscope and determining the angle of view by measuring the angle of reflection of light.
- Evaluation of binocular vision using synoptophore.
- Using a prismatic compensator, determining the angle of deviation from the norm.
In the process of diagnosing pathology, a multipoint color-type text can be applied to study the nature of binocular vision impairment. As for the process of separating the fields of the right and left eye, the ophthalmologist can use the skills of coordination.
It should be noted that after all the procedures necessary to establish paralytic strabismus and confirm the problem, the patient must be referred to a neurologist.
Diagnostic equipment
To more accurately determine the features of visually observed pathology, as well as the reasons for its formation, modern medicine uses several types of equipment. Most often, to study the nature of the problem, the following is prescribed:
- computed tomography of the brain or its study using MRI;
- computed tomography of the orbit;
- electromyography.
It should be noted that any of the above procedures should be carried out along with the above diagnostic measures for the disease in question. When studying the results obtained in the course of diagnostic procedures, the presence of some and other specialists is important, including professionals in the field of neurology and infectious diseases.
Symptoms of pathology
The problem under consideration has a number of symptoms by which it can be quite easily determined. These include the following indicators:
- lack of mobility of the eye (or observation of low mobility);
- double vision before eyes;
- constant presence of deviation;
- the presence of a difference in the indicators of deviation angles (primary is less than secondary);
- the presence of dizziness;
- observation of an arbitrary deviation of the head towards the affected muscle (torticollis).
It should be noted that in reality there is a main difference between paralytic and friendly squint. It lies precisely in the last feature presented. This is due to the fact that with friendly strabismus involuntary head turns are not observed.
Reasons for education
Specialists in the field of medicine name a number of reasons why the pathology in question can form. Among the main causes of paralytic strabismus in adults it is worth highlighting:
- the presence of purulent inflammation in the area close to the optic nerve;
- toxic damage to the eyeball;
- the presence of eye injuries;
- the presence of diseases whose action is aimed at the defeat of the central nervous system (in particular, the optic nerve);
- the presence of various types of tumors;
- myositis;
- neuritis.
Experts in the field of ophthalmology note that the most common cause of the pathology in question is the injury of the eyeball. As a rule, the reasons for the formation of dysfunctions of this type can be both domestic and industrial.
Types of pathology
It is worth noting that paralytic strabismus, which develops in humans, can take on different types. Currently, several variants of the pathology under consideration are distinguished in medical practice, the classification of which is carried out depending on the particular location of the pupil of the eye and the possibility of its movement. Among the varieties of paralytic strabismus it is worth highlighting:
- horizontal (when the deviation of the pupil occurs to the left or right);
- vertical (in case of deviation of the pupil down or up);
- permanent / temporary;
- bilateral, unilateral or intermittent.
The types of pathology under consideration can be either acquired or congenital, but each of them always affects only one eye.
As for the forms of pathology, depending on the location of the pupils, it can be characterized as:
- vertical
- diverging;
- converging.
As for divergent strabismus, this pathology, as a rule, arises against the background of myopia. In this situation, the patient’s eye is directed towards one of the temples. In the absence of myopia, the manifestation of this form of pathology is usually associated with the transmission of infection. When the eyes are slanted up or down, the squint will be called vertical.
As for convergent paralytic strabismus, it is observed, as a rule, in childhood. Practice shows that such a pathology is often temporary and in the early stages is quite easy to completely treat. When observing such a problem, the eyes of the person's pupils are directed towards the nose. In adults, this type of pathology is often associated with farsightedness.
It should be noted that the pathology under consideration can manifest itself in three other forms, depending on the nature of its origin: orbital, nuclear, and stem. We will talk about them further in more detail.
Nuclear
The development of strabismus of this type can only be associated with an infectious lesion of the nuclei of the brain, and can also occur with other diseases that have a detrimental effect on the body, as vivid examples of which can be:
- encephalitis;
- multiple sclerosis;
- neurosyphilis.
In the event that during the examination, the diagnosis determined this particular form of pathology, then the patient should be prepared for the fact that all those changes that will occur over a short time at the level of the brain nuclei will have irreversible consequences, as a result of which the most sad consequences will happen.
Stem
Speaking about the stem form of pathology, it is worth noting that its manifestation is associated primarily with the presence of injuries localized at the level of the brain stem. Due to this factor, this form of paralytic strabismus is often called basal. As for the nature of the occurrence and further development of pathology, it can be:
- angiogenic;
- toxic
- traumatic;
- infectious.
Orbital
As for the orbital form of paralytic strabismus, its treatment is most successful and, according to statistics, gives the greatest number of favorable outcomes. The main etiological factor of this type of lesion, as a rule, is subperiostal abscess or periostitis. Practice shows that the method of treatment of the considered form of the disease is based on the complete removal of the process that provokes a change in the normal functionality of the organ of vision. Statistics show that after all necessary operations, visual acuity is restored to the maximum or in full.
Pathology in children
It is known that paralytic strabismus is often observed in children who have just been born. Pathology belongs to the category of congenital and is formed in the womb.
The main reason for the appearance of the eye disease in a child is the presence of complex infections in the mother's body that affect the development of the central nervous system of the child. Also, the cause of this phenomenon can be the abuse of bad habits by the mother in the process of bearing the fetus.
It should be noted that recently paralytic strabismus has become quite often diagnosed in children - 2-3 times more often than in adults. If the problem is ignored, the baby may have dysbinocular amblyopia, the development of which at one point begins to occur rapidly.
Treatment
In order to eliminate a visual defect, medical specialists conduct a complete examination of the patient, as a result of which the basic nature of the disease should be established. After determining this, a treatment plan can be developed in which, as a rule, there is an operation for paralytic strabismus, which allows to restore the symmetry of the eyes.
In the event that the problem does not have a running form, then it can be eliminated in a medical way. In addition, a number of effective manipulations also include reflexology, electrophoresis and electrical stimulation.
Rehabilitation period
After all the procedures prescribed by the indicated course, it is necessary to exclude excessive eye strain, and also regularly perform special exercises prescribed by the ophthalmologist.
Special attention should be paid to the fact that in the postoperative period it is necessary to wear special glasses designed to close the operated eye from the sun, as well as protect the healthy.
It should be noted that the procedure for treating strabismus is a rather lengthy process that can take a couple of years, as for the rehabilitation period, it takes about six months.
Folk techniques for improving vision in the rehabilitation process
During the course of the rehabilitation period, you can take care of your eyes with the help of funds prepared according to folk methods. It should be noted that before using them, you need to consult with your ophthalmologist, identifying the features of the composition of each agent.
Currently, among the most effective methods for restoring visual acuity in the postoperative period are phytodroplets and decoctions made on the basis of natural components. Let us further consider some recipes for their preparation.
Herbal drops from dill seeds. To prepare an effective product according to this recipe, you need to take 10 g of powder made from dill seeds, and pour the component with a glass of boiling water. An infused and strained product, it is necessary to instill the operated eye three times a day, a couple of drops.
Decoction of pine needles. In order to prepare an effective product made on the basis of pine needles, it is necessary to pour 100 g of the main component with a glass of boiling water, then let the mixture brew for an hour. After the allotted time, the decoction must be consumed. To obtain a positive effect, the use of the drug should be repeated three times a day.
Herbal drops with honey. In order to make effective phyto-drops, it is necessary to mix 3 drops of apple and onion juice in one dish, and then add 1 drop of natural liquid honey to the indicated components. After mixing, pour a spoonful of boiling water into the mass and let it brew in a clogged form. The infused remedy should be instilled daily in the eyes before bedtime. In reviews of this method of exacerbation of vision, it is often said that it becomes clearer in the morning.