Pseudostrabismus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:26, 15 February 2025

A condition where the eyes appear misaligned but are actually properly aligned.

Pseudostrabismus[edit]

Pseudostrabismus is a condition in which the eyes appear to be misaligned, but upon closer examination, they are actually properly aligned. This condition is often observed in infants and young children and is usually due to anatomical features rather than any true misalignment of the eyes.

Causes[edit]

Pseudostrabismus is primarily caused by certain facial features that create the illusion of strabismus. The most common features include:

Epicanthic folds: These are skin folds of the upper eyelid that cover the inner corner (medial canthus) of the eye. They are common in certain ethnic groups and can give the appearance of esotropia (inward turning of the eyes).
Wide nasal bridge: A broad nasal bridge can also contribute to the appearance of pseudostrabismus by obscuring the sclera (white part of the eye) on the nasal side.
Prominent epicanthal folds: These folds can make the eyes appear closer together or misaligned.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of pseudostrabismus is typically made by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. The examination includes:

Corneal light reflex test: This test involves shining a light in the eyes and observing the reflection on the cornea. In pseudostrabismus, the light reflex will be symmetrical, indicating proper alignment.
Cover test: This test involves covering one eye and observing the movement of the uncovered eye. In pseudostrabismus, there will be no movement, indicating that the eyes are aligned.

Management[edit]

Pseudostrabismus does not require treatment as it is not a true misalignment of the eyes. However, it is important to differentiate it from true strabismus, which may require intervention. Parents are often reassured that the condition is benign and that the appearance may improve as the child grows and facial features develop.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Pseudostrabismus''' is a medical condition often mistaken for [[strabismus]], a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. Pseudostrabismus is characterized by the appearance of misalignment without actual deviation of the eyes. This condition is common in infants and young children due to the broad and flat nasal bridge, which can give the illusion of misaligned eyes.
+{{Short description|A condition where the eyes appear misaligned but are actually properly aligned.}}
+== Pseudostrabismus ==
+[[File:Epicanthic_KR07.jpg|thumb|right|An example of epicanthic folds, which can contribute to pseudostrabismus.]]
+'''Pseudostrabismus''' is a condition in which the eyes appear to be misaligned, but upon closer examination, they are actually properly aligned. This condition is often observed in infants and young children and is usually due to anatomical features rather than any true misalignment of the eyes.
 == Causes ==
+Pseudostrabismus is primarily caused by certain facial features that create the illusion of strabismus. The most common features include:
-Pseudostrabismus is primarily caused by the physical features of a child's face. The broad and flat nasal bridge, along with prominent skin folds at the inner corners of the eyes (epicanthal folds), can make the eyes appear crossed. This condition is not caused by any muscle or nerve problems, unlike true [[strabismus]].
+* '''[[Epicanthic fold]]s''': These are skin folds of the upper eyelid that cover the inner corner (medial canthus) of the eye. They are common in certain ethnic groups and can give the appearance of esotropia (inward turning of the eyes).
+* '''Wide nasal bridge''': A broad nasal bridge can also contribute to the appearance of pseudostrabismus by obscuring the sclera (white part of the eye) on the nasal side.
+* '''Prominent epicanthal folds''': These folds can make the eyes appear closer together or misaligned.
 == Diagnosis ==
+The diagnosis of pseudostrabismus is typically made by an [[ophthalmologist]] or an [[optometrist]]. The examination includes:
-Diagnosis of pseudostrabismus is typically made by an [[ophthalmologist]] or [[optometrist]]. They will perform a detailed eye examination, including a cover test to check the alignment of the eyes. In pseudostrabismus, the cover test will be normal, indicating that the eyes are properly aligned.
+* '''Corneal light reflex test''': This test involves shining a light in the eyes and observing the reflection on the cornea. In pseudostrabismus, the light reflex will be symmetrical, indicating proper alignment.
+* '''Cover test''': This test involves covering one eye and observing the movement of the uncovered eye. In pseudostrabismus, there will be no movement, indicating that the eyes are aligned.
-== Treatment ==
+== Management ==
+Pseudostrabismus does not require treatment as it is not a true misalignment of the eyes. However, it is important to differentiate it from true [[strabismus]], which may require intervention. Parents are often reassured that the condition is benign and that the appearance may improve as the child grows and facial features develop.
-As pseudostrabismus is not a true eye misalignment, no treatment is necessary. The appearance of crossed eyes often improves as the child grows and the facial features change. However, regular eye examinations are recommended to ensure that true strabismus does not develop.
+== Related pages ==
-== See also ==
 * [[Strabismus]]
+* [[Epicanthic fold]]
 * [[Ophthalmology]]
-* [[Optometry]]
-== References ==
-<references />
+[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
 [[Category:Eye diseases]]
-[[Category:Pediatrics]]
-[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
-{{Eye-disease-stub}}
-{{Med-stub}}