walleyed

Walleyed refers to a condition characterized by a divergent strabismus, where one or both eyes turn outward. This outward deviation means that the eyes are not aligned and do not look in the same direction simultaneously. It is a common form of strabismus, a disorder that affects muscle control of the eye muscles.

The exact cause of walleyed can vary. In many cases, it is present from birth or develops within the first few years of life. It can be due to an imbalance in the muscles that control eye movement, or it can be related to vision problems such as farsightedness or refractive errors. Sometimes, neurological conditions or genetic factors can also contribute to its development.

Symptoms of walleyed include the noticeable outward turning of one or both eyes. This misalignment can lead to other vision problems, such as double vision (diplopia), blurred vision, or reduced depth perception. Children with walleyed may also experience amblyopia, often referred to as "lazy eye," where the brain begins to favor the stronger eye and disregard the input from the weaker, misaligned eye.

Diagnosis of walleyed is typically made by an eye care professional, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, through a comprehensive eye examination. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. These may include corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) to address refractive errors, vision therapy to help strengthen eye muscles and improve coordination, or surgery to adjust the eye muscles. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent long-term vision problems.