The most common reason a child's eye turns inward, especially in those under six, is due to a condition called accommodative esotropia.
Understanding Accommodative Esotropia
- What it is: Accommodative esotropia happens when a child is farsighted (hyperopic). This means they have difficulty seeing things up close.
- The link to eye crossing: To compensate for their farsightedness, a child’s eyes have to work harder to focus. This extra effort to focus can lead to the eyes turning inward.
- Not something they outgrow: It's important to understand that children do not simply "outgrow" accommodative esotropia. It requires proper diagnosis and treatment.
More About the Cause
The primary cause of this inward eye turn is excessive farsightedness. When a child tries to focus, their eyes over-converge, resulting in one or both eyes turning inward.
Symptoms to Look For
- One or both eyes appearing to turn inward (towards the nose).
- Difficulty focusing on near objects.
- Squinting or tilting the head to see better.
What To Do
If you notice your child's eye turning inward, it’s important to seek professional help from an eye doctor. They can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include:
- Eyeglasses to correct the farsightedness.
- Eye patching, to strengthen the weaker eye.
- Eye exercises.
- In some cases, surgery.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Cause | Accommodative esotropia |
| Underlying Issue | Farsightedness and excessive focusing effort. |
| Treatment Needed | Yes, children do not outgrow it; treatment is necessary. |
| Who to See | An eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist). |
