Strabismus results when eyes do not align properly, causing each eye to look in a separate direction. This condition, often referred to as crossed eyes, will often cause one or both eyes to have low vision, and this may cause double vision or blurring. Treatment of strabismus at an early age may help prevent permanent vision loss in the turned eye.
About Dopamine
Dopamine occurs naturally in your body and acts as a neurotransmitter that relates emotional responses to actions. This chemical does not cause or directly affect strabismus or other eye conditions, but researchers have studied dopamine-based medications and the eye.
In a 2004 study published in the “Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics,” researchers at the National Taiwan University Hospital in the Republic of China evaluated medications called dopamine antagonists and how these drugs may affect accommodation, or how the eye focuses for vision. The findings showed that dopamine antagonists may improve the speed of focusing but will not improve vision. This study did not consider strabismus specifically, but the findings could help future studies work with an eye slow to accommodate, which may occur with a turned eye even after treatment.
Noninvasive Treatment
An eye doctor may prescribe eyeglasses to help your child’s vision, and he may require prisms in the lenses if he experiences double vision. To encourage both eyes to work, the doctor may recommend periodically patching your child’s “good” eye, the eye that looks straight ahead and performs all the visual work. This will force the turned eye to look straight ahead and take in visual cues.
Surgery
If noninvasive treatments do not help realign the eyes, a child may require surgery for strabismus. In this procedure, the surgeon manipulates the muscles that control the eye, bringing the eyes into alignment. This procedure works in many instances, but a child may require patching, glasses or other vision therapies to strengthen the crossed eye.
In a study published in 2004 in the “Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology,” researchers from the University of California at Los Angeles discussed children given a dopamine-based medication after strabismus surgery. The study evaluated the effects of the drug on nausea and vomiting after surgery. The study determined that children receiving droperidol had fewer postoperative symptoms. This medication, however, may cause serious complications, so discuss all other options with your child’s surgeon.
Considerations
Visible signs of strabismus will often appear within the first few years of life, and once you notice the turned eye or poor vision, talk with your child’s pediatrician. A specialist can work with you and your child to begin prompt treatment measures. You should not wait to seek help for your child, since taking steps early may help your child’s vision throughout her lifetime.
References
- American Optometric Association: Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
- All About Vision: Strabismus: Gary Heiting, OD
- Psychology Today: Dopamine
- “Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics”; Effects of Dopamine Antagonists in Human Eye Accommodation; Ling Yeung, et al.; July 2004
- Drugs.com: Droperidol
- “Journal of Clinical Anesthesia”; Effects of Droperidol Dosage on Postoperative Emetic Symptoms Following Pediatric Strabismus Surgery; S.W. Stead, et al.; February 2004
