Alternating esotropia with A pattern is a type of strabismus where the eyes turn inward or cross-eyed intermittently. It is called A pattern because the deviation of the eyes resembles the letter A when the eyes look up or down. This condition is quite rare, accounting for only 5% of all strabismus cases.
Alternating esotropia with A pattern is usually diagnosed in childhood, between the ages of 2 and 4 years old. It occurs more often in girls than boys and is believed to be caused by a muscle imbalance in the eyes. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a problem with the nerves that control eye movement.
Some of the common symptoms of alternating esotropia with A pattern include:
Treatment for alternating esotropia with A pattern may include wearing glasses with prisms, eye patching, or surgery. The goal of treatment is to improve eye alignment and reduce the frequency of eye deviations. Glasses with prisms can help correct the muscle imbalance and reduce the angle of deviation. Eye patching is used to strengthen the weaker eye and improve binocular vision. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to adjust the position of the eye muscles and improve alignment.
It is important to seek treatment for alternating esotropia with A pattern as early as possible to prevent permanent vision loss and to improve quality of life. If you suspect that you or your child may have this condition, consult with an eye doctor or ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Alternating esotropia with A pattern is a rare form of strabismus that affects eye alignment and can lead to vision problems if left untreated. Symptoms include inward turning of the eyes, intermittent deviations, and difficulty with depth perception. Treatment may include glasses with prisms, eye patching, or surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent permanent vision loss and improve quality of life.