It's common for parents to worry when they notice their child's eyes don't seem perfectly aligned. Sometimes one eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. This condition is called strabismus, commonly known as “crossed eyes.”

Early evaluation is important—not just for appearance, but for your child's long-term vision development.

Why It Matters

When the eyes are misaligned, the brain may begin ignoring input from one eye to avoid double vision. Over time, this can lead to amblyopia (“lazy eye”) and poor depth perception.

The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus stresses that early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes.

Signs to Watch For

One eye consistently turning in or out

Eyes not moving together

Squinting or closing one eye

Head tilting

Complaints of double vision

Treatment Options

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

Glasses

Patching

Vision therapy

Eye muscle surgery

If you notice misalignment, schedule an eye exam promptly. Early care can protect your child's vision and development.