Can adult strabismus be corrected?

Strabismus, also known as a squint, refers to a condition where the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. While it is commonly associated with childhood, strabismus can also occur or persist in adults. It may affect appearance, vision, and quality of life—but in many cases, effective treatment is available.

What causes adult strabismus?

Strabismus in adults can result from different underlying issues. It may be a continuation of childhood strabismus that was never fully treated, or it can develop later in life due to:

Nerve palsy affecting the eye muscles
Trauma or head injury
Stroke
Medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid eye disease
Tumours or neurological conditions (rare)

In some cases, the cause is not identified, and the squint develops gradually over time.

What are the symptoms?

Strabismus can present with:

Eyes that appear misaligned (one eye may turn in, out, up or down)
Double vision (diplopia)
Eye strain or headaches
Difficulty with depth perception
Self-consciousness or social discomfort due to appearance

Some adults learn to adapt to the misalignment by suppressing the image from one eye, though this can lead to visual fatigue or reduced binocular vision.

Can adult strabismus be treated or corrected?

Yes, adult strabismus can often be improved or corrected with appropriate treatment. Options will depend on the severity, cause, and type of misalignment.

Treatment options may include:

Glasses or prisms: In some cases, special lenses or prism glasses can help align the eyes or reduce double vision.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections: Temporarily weakens specific eye muscles to improve alignment. This is particularly useful in cases of small-angle squint or nerve-related strabismus.
Strabismus surgery: Involves repositioning the eye muscles to restore proper alignment. This can correct both functional issues and appearance.
Vision therapy: In selected cases, exercises may be recommended to strengthen coordination between the eyes.

What are the benefits of surgery in adults?

Surgical correction of adult strabismus can offer both functional and cosmetic benefits. These may include:

Improved eye alignment and appearance
Better depth perception and binocular vision
Reduced or eliminated double vision
Increased comfort and confidence in social and professional settings

Surgery is typically performed as a day case under general anaesthetic. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days.

Are there any risks or limitations?

As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, overcorrection or under correction, and rare complications involving vision. Some patients may need more than one operation to achieve the best result.

Not all cases are suitable for surgery, and a detailed assessment by an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist is needed to determine the best course of action.

Is it worth seeking treatment as an adult?

Many adults with strabismus benefit from modern treatment options. Whether the main concern is appearance, double vision or visual comfort, tailored therapies can often achieve significant improvements. If you are experiencing symptoms, an eye specialist can guide you through the available options and help decide what treatment is right for you.