Persistent strabismus in a child most likely indicates which of the following?

Persistent strabismus in a child most likely indicates which of the following?

• A. It may indicate underlying eye disease.
• B. It is always normal.
• C. It is never seen.
• D. It indicates a minor, self-resolving issue.

Answer: (A)

Persistent misalignment of the eyes in a child is a red flag that something affecting the eye or its control system may be present. When the eyes do not align, the brain may start to ignore input from one eye, increasing the risk of amblyopia and long-term vision loss if not addressed. This situation often points to an underlying issue—such as a refractive error, imbalance of the eye muscles, or a cranial nerve or other neurological problem—and requires evaluation by a pediatric ophthalmologist. It is not a normal finding, it is not something that’s never seen, and it isn’t typically a minor, self-resolving issue.

Persistent misalignment of the eyes in a child is a red flag that something affecting the eye or its control system may be present. When the eyes do not align, the brain may start to ignore input from one eye, increasing the risk of amblyopia and long-term vision loss if not addressed. This situation often points to an underlying issue—such as a refractive error, imbalance of the eye muscles, or a cranial nerve or other neurological problem—and requires evaluation by a pediatric ophthalmologist. It is not a normal finding, it is not something that’s never seen, and it isn’t typically a minor, self-resolving issue.