A Parent’s Guide to Strabismus in Children

Author: Hayley Martin 

Spotting the Signs, Understanding the Condition, and Supporting your Little One’s Journey to Clear Vision

It often starts with a photo.

You’re flipping through pictures, admiring your daughter’s sweet smile, and then something catches your eye. One of hers doesn’t seem to be looking quite the same direction as the other. You chalk it up to timing or the angle. But then it happens again. And again.

If you're beginning to wonder whether something’s off, you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is so much hope ahead.

Let’s gently explore strabismus in children. What it is, how to spot it, and the enchanting ways you can support your child’s vision journey with compassion, knowledge, and maybe even a little magic.

 

What Is Strabismus in Children?

Strabismus (pronounced struh-BIZ-muss) is a condition where the eyes aren’t always aligned in the same direction. One eye may focus straight ahead while the other turns inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward, or downward.

You might’ve heard it called crossed eyes or wandering eye, but those phrases can feel a little outdated and even unkind. At Once Upon a Charm, we prefer to describe it in gentler terms: a challenge of visual teamwork between the eyes and the brain.

When the eyes don’t work together properly, your child may experience:

• Blurry vision
• Poor depth perception
• Double vision (though many children naturally suppress one image)

But here’s the wonderful news: strabismus is treatable, particularly when caught early. And the very fact that you’ve noticed it means you’re already on the right path.

 

What Causes Strabismus?

One of the first questions parents ask is, “Did I do something wrong?”

The answer is unequivocally no.

Strabismus can be caused by several factors:

• Genetics (a family history of strabismus or other vision issues)
• Muscle imbalance in the eyes
• Uncorrected farsightedness
• Differences in how the brain controls eye movement

In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. But what matters most is what happens next including early intervention, proper treatment, and supportive care.

Signs of Strabismus: What Should Parents Look For?

Children don’t always notice or express vision problems, so knowing the early signs of strabismus can make all the difference. Watch for:

• One eye that turns in, out, up, or down (especially in photos)
• Squinting or closing one eye in bright light
• Head tilting to see better
• Poor hand-eye coordination or clumsiness
• Complaints of double vision (although she may not complain about this because, to her, double vision is normal)
• Headaches

Regular pediatric eye exams are key, often revealing concerns before children even realize there’s a problem.

How Is Strabismus Treated in Children?

Treatment for childhood strabismus depends on the type and severity of the condition, but the goal is always the same, to align the eyes and encourage strong, balanced vision.

Common treatment options include:

Glasses or Prescription Lenses

For children with refractive strabismus, glasses can correct vision imbalances and help the eyes work better together. Bonus: They come in magical styles she’ll actually love to wear.

At Once Upon a Charm, our glasses for girls, are:

• Featherlight and adventure-ready
• Sized just for small faces
• Enchanted with interchangeable charms for a sprinkle of sparkle and self-expression

Vision Therapy

Think of this as brain-eye teamwork training! Vision therapy involves playful, targeted exercises to improve eye coordination and focus. It’s often recommended when muscle control or eye teaming needs strengthening.

 

Eye Patching or Atropine Drops

Sometimes, the stronger eye is gently “rested” using a patch or drops, encouraging the weaker eye to work harder and strengthen over time.  Although more and more doctors are avoiding patching in favor of vision therapy.  To learn more about why, explore our Does My Child Really Need an Eye Patch? What the Research Says article.

Eye Muscle Surgery

In some cases, an eye doctor may recommend a minor surgery to adjust the eye muscles and improve alignment. It’s safe, effective, and often life-changing when needed.

 

Helping Your Child Embrace Her Glasses (and Her Magic)

Let’s be honest, some days may be tricky. She may resist wearing her glasses or feel different from her friends. That’s okay.

Remind her:

• Her glasses are her magic wand, revealing the tiny details she never noticed before
• They’re her treasure map, guiding her through school, story time, and playground adventures
• They’re part of her hero’s outfit, helping her feel bold, brilliant, and beautiful

Our hand-painted charms make glasses feel personal, playful, and magical. So, she’s more likely to embrace them with pride and joy.

For tips on how to help your child wear her glasses, refer to our From Hesitation to Celebration: Helping Your Child Fall in Love with Her Glasses article.

A Gentle Note to Parents

If you're feeling worried or unsure, take a deep breath. The fact that you are even here, reading this article, shows that you are doing such a good job.

Strabismus is common. And it’s treatable. With the right care, many children go on to develop healthy, aligned vision, and more importantly, confidence in how they see the world and themselves.

At Once Upon a Charm, we’re here to help her see better, feel brighter, and shine beautifully in her glasses.

 

Explore our whimsical glasses designed for little dreamers.

Mix, match, and enchant with our magical charm collection.

Together, let’s turn vision challenges into enchanted triumphs. One sparkling frame at a time.