Eye Movement Disorders
Strabismus, Nystagmus and Amblyopia
Duke neuro-ophthalmologists and pediatric ophthalmologists identify the cause of eye movement disorders that include double vision, shaky vision, crossed eyes (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia), and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). We work with people of all ages who have eye movement disorders. Our goal is identify the cause of your eye movement disorder, and help you receive the most effective treatment.
Extensive Eye Movement Disorders Consultation
You or your child may be sent for a consultation with a neuro-ophthalmologist for vision problems related to strabismus, nystagmus and amblyopia, the latter of which may develop as a result of strabismus. These conditions can be present at birth, acquired at an early age, or develop in later childhood and adulthood. We use sophisticated testing to determine the cause of your symptoms. We work with specialists throughout Duke Health to help you and your child understand your condition, and choose the most appropriate treatment.
Choose Duke for treatment of your eye movement disorders because we offer:
- Top ranked care. The Duke Eye Center is consistently ranked among the top ten eye centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and Ophthalmology Times.
- Advanced sub-specialists. Neuro-ophthalmologists undergo advanced ophthalmology training by completing a fellowship focused on understanding how the brain and the nervous system affect the visual system.
- Experienced pediatric specialists. One of our neuro-ophthalmologists has also completed a separate fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. This includes advanced training in eye conditions that affect children.
- Team approach. We work closely with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other specialists throughout Duke to ensure you receive the best possible care for your condition.
- Latest imaging devices. We use the most sophisticated imaging to perform important tests that help us diagnose the cause of your symptoms. Our high-tech imaging devices allow us to see the outer edges of the eye, a significant advance that better guides the treatment decisions recommended to you by your medical team.
- National leaders in neuro-ophthalmology. Our neuro-ophthalmologists lecture and train on the latest advances in eye care around the world, and publish research in our specialized field.
- Comprehensive support. Our clinical social worker is available to help you cope with the emotional and psychological stress of vision loss, as well as other medical or environmental concerns.
EYE MOVEMENT DISORDERS
Treatments
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Reduce the risk of amblyopia and loss of sight in children strabismus is present.
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Eyeglasses and contact lenses help to straighten eyes by reducing their focusing effort.
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Special lenses alter the light entering the eye, which can help eliminate double vision in patients with strabismus.
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Computer and optical devices are used to correct eye movements through visual-motor skills and endurance exercises.
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Used for certain patients to change the eye alignment so that the brain can use both eyes together. Surgery weakens or strengthens one or more of the six muscles attached to the outside of the eyeball depending on the particular case. Surgery to realign the eyes may be performed in steps and require more than one operation.
EYE MOVEMENT DISORDERS
Extensive Evaluation
We conduct an extensive and thorough evaluation that may take up to three to four hours to complete. The evaluation is tailored to your specific symptoms. Your evaluation will include a complete medical history, an examination of your eyes, including close inspection of your retina and optic nerve, and several imaging scans. The following tests may be conducted.
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Measures the extent to which vision is affected.
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An eye movement specialist called an orthoptist measures ocular alignment and the coordination between the eyes in all positions of gaze.
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When hereditary eye movement disorders are suspected, genetic testing may be recommended.