The eye serves as an important sensory component that allows for vision. Sometimes, eye muscles may malfunction and certain eye movements become abnormal. One eye may point one direction while the other moves another direction. This may lead to blurry vision, double vision and eye fatigue.
Benign Essential Blepharospasm
The National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke (NINDS) says that benign essential blepharospasm is a chronic disease in which you develop involuntary movements and spasms of your eyelid muscles.
Specific symptoms of this eye disease include prolonged closure of the eyes, twitching of the eyes, squinting, light sensitivity and difficulty keeping the eyes open. Uncontrollable winking is another sign of benign essential blepharospasm.
The NINDS says the botulism toxin can be injected into the eye muscles. This relaxes them and prevents the manifestations of benign essential blepharospasm. Temporary side effects of the botulism toxin injection include drooping eyelids, eye dryness and blurry or double vision. Sometimes, surgery can also correct this problem.
Strabismus
Strabismus refers to a condition in which the eyes do not move together. Rather, one eye moves in one direction while the other eye moves in another direction. According to EyeCare America, symptoms of strabismus include double vision, trouble reading and a tight or pulling sensation around the eyes. In fact, strabismus affects four out of every 100 adults in the United States.
Strabismus may be due to a brain disorder or problems with the eye muscles. Sometimes, strabismus can be due to head trauma, diabetes, thyroid disease and strokes.
Surgery is a common treatment for strabismus, says EyeCare America. An opthalmologist will surgically tighten, loosen or move certain eye muscles to make both eyes work together. Simple eye exercises can be utilized to retrain your eye muscles. Special eyeglasses and botox injections also help manage strabismus manifestations.
Keratoconus
The American Optometric Association says keratoconus is a thinning of the cornea, the outer layer of the eye that covers the iris. This affects the manner in which light enters the eyes and subsequently causes visual changes. Symptoms of keratoconus include blurry or distorted vision. The eyes also become extremely sensitive to light.
An opthalmologist will prescribe eye drops to reduce any eye swelling that occurs. In some cases, eyeglasses and contact lenses may help correct keratoconus. In rare cases, a corneal transplant may be performed.
