HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Does Strabismus Have A Psychosomatic Origin?

default
Posted on Sat, 4 Jul 2015
Question: Can strabismus have a psychosomatic origin?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes under stress an individual may develop strabismus.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

Strabismus or Crossed eyes or Squinting eyes can occur due to a number of causes. Neurological causes, anatomical defects since birth, muscle paralysis etc are the common causes. It cause difficulty in binocular vision and in order to adjust for that eyes misalign themselves resulting in crossed eyes. Most common type of Strabismus is Constant Strabismus, but in some individuals they have Intermittent Strabismus.

Intermittent Strabismus is Strabismus occurring occasionally and under stressful situations like in febrile illness or stress. So yes, it can have psychosomatic origin but that is not common seen. Under stress individuals with intermittent strabismus can develop crossed eyes and few case reports also support this. But much detailed research studies are lacking. Even sleeplessness is also known to precipitate the strabismus.

Best treatment for this is Vision Therapy and eye muscle training and sometimes occlusion of one eye. This results in improvement in episodes. Relaxation exercises and reduction of stress result in improvement of symptoms. Reassurance is also found to be useful but mainly in children.

Thanks, I hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts or if you need further clarifications in my answer.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Does Strabismus Have A Psychosomatic Origin?

Brief Answer: Yes under stress an individual may develop strabismus. Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries Strabismus or Crossed eyes or Squinting eyes can occur due to a number of causes. Neurological causes, anatomical defects since birth, muscle paralysis etc are the common causes. It cause difficulty in binocular vision and in order to adjust for that eyes misalign themselves resulting in crossed eyes. Most common type of Strabismus is Constant Strabismus, but in some individuals they have Intermittent Strabismus. Intermittent Strabismus is Strabismus occurring occasionally and under stressful situations like in febrile illness or stress. So yes, it can have psychosomatic origin but that is not common seen. Under stress individuals with intermittent strabismus can develop crossed eyes and few case reports also support this. But much detailed research studies are lacking. Even sleeplessness is also known to precipitate the strabismus. Best treatment for this is Vision Therapy and eye muscle training and sometimes occlusion of one eye. This results in improvement in episodes. Relaxation exercises and reduction of stress result in improvement of symptoms. Reassurance is also found to be useful but mainly in children. Thanks, I hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts or if you need further clarifications in my answer.