Adults can develop strabismus even if their eyes were straight as children. New misalignment often causes double vision and needs prompt assessment.
Causes in adulthood
Adult strabismus may arise from decompensated childhood problems or new issues affecting nerves or muscles. Understanding the cause guides treatment.
- Worsening of a small childhood squint when focusing reserves tire
- Cranial nerve palsies from diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions
- Thyroid eye disease affecting muscle size and movement
- Trauma, strokes, or neurological disease affecting coordination
Management options
Treatment aims to restore single vision and comfort. The plan is personalised depending on cause and stability.
- Prism glasses to align images without surgery
- Eye muscle surgery once measurements are stable
- Botulinum toxin injections in selected recent-onset cases
- Urgent investigation if double vision appears suddenly with other symptoms
