While assessing a pediatric patient, an ophthalmologist notes inability to focus with both eyes. Which finding would confirm diagnosis of strabismus?

While assessing a pediatric patient, an ophthalmologist notes inability to focus with both eyes. Which finding would confirm diagnosis of strabismus?

• A. Crossed appearance of eyes
• B. Impaired extraocular muscles
• C. Nystagmus
• D. Blurred vision

Answer: (A)

Strabismus is a misalignment of the two eyes, meaning the eyes do not point to the same object when focusing. The most direct sign in a child is a visible deviation where the eyes do not line up, often described as a crossed appearance. This shows that the visual axes are not aligned, which is exactly what strabismus is. Other clues aren’t as definitive: impaired extraocular muscles would cause limited movement rather than a constant misalignment; nystagmus is involuntary rhythmic eye movement and not the fixed crossing of gaze; blurred vision can occur for many reasons and doesn’t by itself prove the eyes are misaligned.

Strabismus is a misalignment of the two eyes, meaning the eyes do not point to the same object when focusing. The most direct sign in a child is a visible deviation where the eyes do not line up, often described as a crossed appearance. This shows that the visual axes are not aligned, which is exactly what strabismus is.

Other clues aren’t as definitive: impaired extraocular muscles would cause limited movement rather than a constant misalignment; nystagmus is involuntary rhythmic eye movement and not the fixed crossing of gaze; blurred vision can occur for many reasons and doesn’t by itself prove the eyes are misaligned.