Did my contact lenses stop correcting my crossed eyes?
MAY 12, 2020
Question:
I have accommodative esotropia in my right eye which is corrected by my glasses or contact lenses. Recently my eye began turning when looking up close for reading and I find reading more difficult. Is it possible that my contact lenses will stop correcting my squint?
Answer:
Accommodative esotropia (when eyes cross inward while focusing to see up close) is a condition that usually happens in early childhood but can also re-emerge later in life. The most important step is to have a complete exam by an ophthalmologist with "cycloplegic refraction." Your glasses or contact lenses are possibly undercorrecting your farsighted vision. When this happens, it can result in crossing.
With cycloplegic refraction, eye drops are used which keep your eyes dilated most of the day. This type of exam can reveal latent or hidden farsightedness.
The other possibility is that you are fully corrected but have reached the age of presbyopia (age-related loss of close-up or reading vision). Uncorrected presbyopia can cause crossing, typically around 38-42 years of age. This can be corrected with reading glasses or bifocals.
Lastly, crossing can happen without either of these situations. This can mean prism glasses or strabismus surgery is needed. This can all be sorted out with the assistance of your ophthalmologist.