Strabismus – banlag na mata (cross-eyed) or duling na mata (wall-eyed) – is an eye condition wherein both eyes are not looking in the same direction.
Medically reviewed by Victor Paulino, MD, DPBO · Ophthalmology · Makati Medical Center
Strabismus – banlag na mata (cross-eyed) or duling na mata (wall-eyed) – is an eye condition wherein both eyes are not looking in the same direction.
A person who has strabismus has eyes that do not align with one another. Therefore, they are not looking at the same object at the same time which makes it difficult to get crisp clear images and or recognize how far something is.
In people with normal vision, both eyes aim at the same spot, point, or direction. The separate images that each of the eyes sees are combined by the brain to form one single image. This ability of the brain allows us to see how near and far something is (depth perception) by distinguishing 3-D images.
In people with strabismus, there is a misalignment in the eyes causing two different images to be sent to the brain. The condition, in adults, can cause blurred or double vision. In young children, where the eye is still developing, they only see the image of the normal eye. In children with banlag na mata or duling na mata, depth perception is lost because the brain learns to suppress the image of the misaligned eye (Amblyopia).
Strabismus is characterized according to the direction of the misaligned eye:
Common types of strabismus include:
A lot of factors can cause strabismus. Strabismus can either be the condition itself or a symptom of an underlying disease. Six muscles are keeping the eyes aligned. If a disease or injury causes any damage to one or more of the muscles holding the eye together, a person can develop strabismus.
Possible causes of strabismus are:
Strabismus can occur in anyone but some people are more prone to developing the disease.
The key to preventing complications in vision due to banlag or pagkaduling is early detection and treatment especially. If a person or child is manifesting these symptoms, make sure to have them visit an ophthalmologist for proper assessment.
The goal of strabismus treatment is to allow normal vision by realigning the eyes. By correcting the misalignment, we prevent the brain from suppressing the image of the misaligned eye. Depending on the cause, there are several treatments for strabismus.
Since strabismus can be hereditary, it is difficult to prevent but complications related to the disease is very preventable. If detected and treated early especially in children, strabismus can still be corrected. It is advised to have children undergo an eye check-up before 6 months of age and again between 3-5 years old.
Strabismus is an eye condition where the eyes are misaligned, causing amblyopia and in adults, double vision. Banlag and pagkaduling can be caused by several factors including family history, brain diseases, and severe error of refraction. If detected and treated early complications such as amblyopia and loss of depth perception can be avoided.
Learn more about Vision Problems here.
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Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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