Strabismus is a vision condition that affects how well the eyes work together, and it often appears during childhood. When the eyes are misaligned, it can interfere with visual comfort, learning, and confidence. Fortunately, strabismus can often be treated without surgery. At Vision Rehabilitation Associates, we provide individualized vision therapy in Glenview to help children strengthen their visual skills and improve eye alignment.
 

What Is Strabismus?

Strabismus occurs when the eyes are not properly aligned and point in different directions. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other eye focuses straight ahead. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and may affect one or both eyes at different times.

When the eyes are misaligned, the brain may struggle to combine the images from each eye into a single, clear picture. Over time, this can lead to issues such as double vision, reduced depth perception, or suppression of vision in one eye.
 

Common Signs of Strabismus

Strabismus often develops in early childhood, and parents are usually the first to notice something isn’t quite right. Common signs include:

• Eyes that appear crossed or misaligned
• One eye drifting inward or outward, especially when tired
• Frequent squinting or closing one eye
• Head tilting or turning to look at objects
• Difficulty with reading or hand-eye coordination
• Complaints of headaches or eye strain
• Poor depth perception or clumsiness

Because children may not realize their vision is different, regular eye exams are essential for early detection.
 

How Vision Therapy in Glenview Helps Strabismus

Vision therapy is a customized, doctor-guided treatment program designed to improve how the eyes and brain work together. Rather than simply addressing eye alignment cosmetically, vision therapy focuses on correcting the underlying visual coordination and control issues that contribute to strabismus.

Through a series of structured in-office sessions and supervised home activities, vision therapy helps patients:

• Improve eye teaming and alignment
• Strengthen eye muscle coordination
• Enhance communication between the eyes and the brain
• Reduce or eliminate double vision
• Develop better visual processing skills

Each vision therapy program is tailored to the individual child’s needs, ensuring targeted and effective treatment.
 

Benefits of Vision Therapy for Strabismus

Vision therapy offers many advantages for children with strabismus, including:

• A non-surgical approach to improving eye alignment
• Improved binocular vision and depth perception
• Better reading comfort and visual attention
• Reduced eye strain and headaches
• Increased confidence in school and sports
• Long-term improvement in visual function, not just appearance

By addressing both the physical and neurological aspects of vision, therapy supports lasting visual development.
 

Take the Next Step at Vision Rehabilitation Associates

Strabismus can affect much more than eye alignment - it can influence a child’s learning, coordination, and quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to achieving the best outcomes. Vision therapy offers a proven, effective way to help children develop stronger, healthier visual systems and overcome the challenges of strabismus.

If you’ve noticed signs of strabismus in your child or have concerns about their visual development, we’re here to help. Contact Vision Rehabilitation Associates to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and learn how vision therapy can make a lasting difference in your child’s life. Visit our office in Northbrook, Illinois, or call (847) 716-2340 to book an appointment today.