Esotropia and exotropia are two forms of strabismus, a condition characterized by misalignment of the eyes. In esotropia, one or both eyes turn inward, while in exotropia, one or both eyes turn outward.
Esotropia is the most common form of strabismus in children. Accommodative esotropia typically appears between ages 2 and 3 and can frequently be treated with corrective glasses alone.
Exotropia often starts as an intermittent condition where one eye drifts outward occasionally, particularly when the child is tired or focusing on distant objects.
Treatment options include corrective eyeglasses, prism lenses, vision therapy exercises, and in some cases, surgery to realign the eye muscles.
Early detection and treatment are crucial. If left untreated, strabismus can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), resulting in permanent vision loss.