Straight vision ahead: Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, NJ treats cross eye or Strabismus

Strabismus is an eye problem where the eyes are not aligned correctly, also known to many as “cross eye.” Ophthalmologists, like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, NJ, say that this problem may lead to loss of vision when not treated immediately.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo Credit: Boots.com

The New York Times shared that this condition is brought by the lack of coordination of the different muscles that surround the eyes. It results to one eye looking at a direction or object, while the other is focused on a different one.


Like in “lazy eye” or amblyopia, strabismus may lead to the brain’s confusion as to what image signal to focus on, resulting to the weaker eye/signal being completely neglected by the brain. Experts also note that for some people, amblyopia happens first before developing into strabismus.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo credit: Visionandlearning.org

For kids, ophthalmologists, like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of the Edison-based clinic Patel Eye Associates, say that the cause of this condition may not be determined, especially for cases of congenital strabismus, or when the eye problem is present short after or at birth.


The New York Times further explained that there are other conditions that may cause strabismus, which include:

- Graves’ disease restriction
- Brain and nerve disorders
- Diabetes
- Hemangioma (during pregnancy)


In treating this condition, eye specialists, like the team from Patel Eye Associates, prescribe eye glasses to patients with slightly misaligned eyes. Some children are required to wear special lenses called prisms.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo Credit: Togetpregnant.info

Eye patch, which is the basic solution from amblyopia, is also considered as one of the basic treatments for strabismus. Also, eye exercises are said to be helpful in correcting the eye misalignment.


For severe cases, eye muscle surgery is called for, with the objective of stabilizing the muscles’ coordination.


For more about strabismus and Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, log on to PatelEyeAssociates.com.