Am I Making the Right Choice by Getting Glasses for My Strabismus?
Every time I try to focus on overlapping images or if I wink one eye, I notice that one of my eyes drifts outward, leading to double vision. I was diagnosed with strabismus in my childhood, but at that time, it seemed manageable and didn't significantly hinder my sight. However, with age, the condition has worsened and become more distressing. Now that I'm a teenager, I decided to visit the eye doctor. I mentioned my slight nearsightedness, explaining that I don’t particularly require glasses but would consider them if they could help stabilize my eye's movement. Surgery is not an option I'm willing to explore. The doctor examined my eyes after dilating them and provided a prescription for glasses. He suggested that they might aid in managing my strabismus, though he also warned that they may not be effective. Interestingly, he did not discuss alternatives like vision therapy or prisms. Additionally, he mentioned that my eyesight might deteriorate as I age, but I could always update my prescription. Given all of this information, I'm feeling a bit unsure. Is this really the right path to take?
Answers (1)
8/29/2025, 12:26:26 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uncertain about your decision regarding glasses for strabismus, especially with mixed signals from your doctor. Here's a summary and a bit of guidance for your situation:
Main Points:
- Glasses can help with vision correction, but their effectiveness for strabismus can vary.
- There are alternative options, like vision therapy and prisms, that might also help manage your condition.
- Staying informed about your choices is crucial to making the best decision for your eye health.
Explanation:
Strabismus, or misalignment of the eyes, can lead to issues like double vision, especially as one eye may drift out. Glasses might improve your vision slightly, particularly for nearsightedness, but they may not fully correct the alignment issue. It’s also important to remember that strabismus can sometimes improve with non-surgical approaches like vision therapy, where eye exercises are designed to strengthen coordination between the eyes. Prisms, which are special lenses that change the light direction entering the eye, can also help alleviate double vision without requiring surgery.
Next Steps:
-
Trial with Glasses: Since your doctor has already provided a prescription, try using glasses for a designated period. Observe if they help with your strabismus and reduce double vision.
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Research Alternatives: Explore vision therapy and prism glasses. You can look for information online or consult with an eye care professional who specializes in strabismus for a second opinion.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of how your symptoms change with the glasses and any other interventions you choose. Make notes of improvements or any concerns to discuss later.
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Stay Informed: If you feel uncertain, it might be beneficial to ask your current eye doctor or a different one about your alternatives, ensuring that you have a full understanding of your options.
By addressing this proactively and considering your options, you can make a more informed choice that aligns with your needs and lifestyle. If you have any follow-up questions or need resources, feel free to ask.
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