Pediatric Strabismus Management in Orthoptics

Key Areas of Orthoptic Involvement:

• Early Detection: Identifying strabismus during routine eye exams or through parental observations.

• Comprehensive Assessment: Conducting thorough evaluations to determine the type, severity, and underlying causes of strabismus. This includes visual acuity testing, refraction assessment, ocular motility examination, sensory testing, and accommodation evaluation.

• Non-Surgical Management: Implementing various non-surgical strategies, such as:

  • Occlusion Therapy: Patching the preferred eye to treat amblyopia.

  • Vision Therapy: Exercises to improve eye coordination and visual skills.

  • Prism Therapy: Using prisms in glasses to realign images.

• Post-Surgical Care: Providing follow-up care after surgical interventions to monitor alignment, vision, and ensure optimal outcomes.

• Patient Education: Educating patients and families about strabismus, treatment options, and the importance of compliance.

Specific Considerations in Orthoptics:

• Infantile Esotropia: Assisting in early detection and management, often involving close collaboration with ophthalmologists for timely surgical intervention.

• Accommodative Esotropia: Working with ophthalmologists to determine the appropriate prescription of glasses to correct refractive errors.

• Intermittent Exotropia: Evaluating the need for surgical intervention and providing post-surgical care.

• Duane Syndrome: Assisting in the evaluation and management of this congenital condition, which may require specialized surgical techniques.

Conclusion

Orthoptists are integral to the successful management of pediatric strabismus. Their expertise in visual function, eye movements, and non-surgical interventions contributes significantly to improving outcomes and ensuring optimal visual development for children with this condition

Note : This document serves educational purposes exclusively and does not constitute medical advice or treatment guidelines