Is it normal if a kid becomes cross-eyed after a fall?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My grandchild is almost 2 years old. She has recently become cross-eyed. Is this a normal occurrence at this age? She did have a fall and bumped her head. What are your suggestions?
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com
Thank you for reaching out with your concern. In a child close to 2 years of age, new-onset crossing of the eyes (strabismus) is not considered normal, especially if it has appeared suddenly. While some eye crossing can be seen in early infancy, it should have resolved well before this age.
The fact that this started after a head injury is more concerning, as trauma can sometimes affect the eye muscles, nerves, or brain centers that control eye alignment. I strongly recommend that she be examined promptly by a pediatrician and referred urgently to a pediatric ophthalmologist.
If the eye crossing is constant, worsening, or associated with symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, imbalance, abnormal behavior, or unequal pupil size, she should be taken to the emergency department immediately for further evaluation and possible neuroimaging.
Early assessment is very important to rule out serious causes and to prevent long-term vision problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye).
Kindly revert if there are any queries.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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