---
title: Can adults develop strabismus?
description: "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…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/treatments-procedures/can-adults-develop-strabismus/"
updated: "2025-12-16"
category: "Treatments & Procedures"
---

# Can adults develop strabismus?

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