Intermittent Exotropia in Adults
Intermittent exotropia in adults is a condition where one eye occasionally drifts outward, which can affect vision and lead to challenges in daily life. While often associated with children, intermittent exotropia can persist or develop in adulthood, sometimes leading to eye strain, double vision, or difficulty focusing. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, we understand the impact this condition can have on your quality of life and offer specialized care to help manage and treat it. Schedule an appointment with PES Adult Strabismus Center today to explore your options for clearer, more comfortable vision.
What is Intermittent Exotropia in Adults?
Intermittent exotropia in adults is a form of strabismus where one or both eyes occasionally drift outward. This outward eye movement typically happens intermittently, often becoming more noticeable when the person is tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol or sedatives. Intermittent exotropia can affect one eye (monocular) or both (bilateral) and may present with symptoms like occasional double vision, eye strain, or trouble with depth perception. Some adults may instinctively close one eye in bright light to manage the misalignment. While many adults with intermittent exotropia are asymptomatic due to their ability to suppress double vision, others may find that the condition impacts their daily interactions and visual comfort. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, our specialized team is dedicated to helping adults manage and treat this condition to improve their quality of life and visual health.
What causes Intermittent Exotropia in Adults?
The exact cause of intermittent exotropia in adults is often unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development. In some cases, the condition begins in childhood and either persists or reappears later in life. Neurological conditions such as stroke, thyroid disease, or vision loss in one eye can also lead to intermittent exotropia in adults. Additionally, a genetic predisposition may make certain individuals more likely to experience this form of eye misalignment. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, we consider these factors when assessing each patient’s unique condition to provide personalized care and treatment options.
How is Intermittent Exotropia in Adults diagnosed?
Intermittent exotropia in adults is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination that allows the specialist to understand the full extent of the condition. This process begins with measuring eye alignment at different distances to observe how often and how far the eye or eyes drift outward, providing insight into the severity and frequency of the misalignment. The examination also includes an assessment of eye movements and control, which helps to determine whether the patient’s eyes can work together effectively or if one eye is more prone to drifting outward under certain conditions, like fatigue or stress.
Evaluating binocular vision and depth perception is another critical step in the diagnosis. This evaluation reveals how well the eyes coordinate to create a single, three-dimensional image and whether the misalignment interferes with tasks that require precise visual coordination, like reading or driving. By gathering this detailed information, PES Adult Strabismus Center can develop a comprehensive understanding of the condition and how it affects each patient. This thorough diagnosis enables our team to recommend the most effective treatment options tailored to the patient’s specific needs, ensuring the best possible visual outcomes.
How is Intermittent Exotropia in Adults treated?
Treatment for intermittent exotropia in adults depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on daily life. For mild cases that don’t cause significant symptoms, simple observation may be sufficient, allowing the opthalmologist to monitor for any progression. Fusional exercises can be beneficial for some individuals, as it involves targeted exercises to strengthen eye control and coordination, helping the eyes work together more effectively. Prism glasses are another option that can help align the eyes and reduce double vision, providing relief from some of the visual symptoms associated with intermittent exotropia.
In more severe or symptomatic cases, eye muscle surgery may be recommended to realign the eyes. This surgical option is typically reserved for situations where non-surgical treatments have not provided adequate relief or if the condition has become constant. It’s important to note, however, that while surgery can improve alignment and the appearance of the eyes, it may not fully restore depth perception in adults who have had the condition since childhood.
The prognosis for intermittent exotropia in adults can vary widely. In some cases, the condition remains stable or may even improve without intensive intervention. For others, especially if left untreated, it could progress to constant exotropia. With the right treatment, many adults experience better symptom management and an enhanced quality of life, even if a complete resolution of symptoms is not always achievable. If you suspect you may have intermittent exotropia, consulting an ophthalmologist at PES Adult Strabismus Center can help you explore personalized treatment options that best fit your needs.
Take Control of Your Vision with PES Adult Strabismus Center
Living with intermittent exotropia can be challenging, but with the right care, adults can find relief from its symptoms and improve their quality of life. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, our team is committed to helping you achieve clearer, more comfortable vision through personalized treatment options. Don’t let intermittent exotropia disrupt your daily life—schedule a consultation with PES Adult Strabismus Center today to take the first step toward better eye health and vision alignment.
Get Intermittent Exotropia Treatment at one of our DFW Locations
If you need treatment for intermittent exotropia, visit the PES Adult Strabismus Center at one our five DFW locations for a consultation.
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FAQ's About Intermittent Exotropia in Adults
Can intermittent exotropia worsen over time?
Yes, intermittent exotropia in adults can worsen, especially if left untreated. The condition may progress to constant exotropia, where one eye remains outwardly misaligned most or all of the time. Early diagnosis and treatment at PES Adult Strabismus Center can help manage symptoms and potentially slow or prevent progression, improving quality of life and visual stability.
How does intermittent exotropia impact daily life?
Intermittent exotropia can affect daily tasks that require focused vision, such as reading, driving, or making eye contact. Symptoms like double vision or eye strain can create challenging symptoms and significant psychosocial distress, especially in social and work environments. PES Adult Strabismus Center offers tailored treatment options to help alleviate these symptoms, allowing patients to lead more comfortable and visually balanced lives.
Is intermittent exotropia hereditary?
There may be a genetic component, as intermittent exotropia can run in families. However, the exact cause remains uncertain, and multiple factors, including environmental and neurological ones, could play a role. PES Adult Strabismus Center assesses each patient’s family history as part of our comprehensive diagnosis to understand potential genetic influences.
Can adults develop intermittent exotropia even if they didn’t have it as a child?
Yes, adults can develop intermittent exotropia without a history of the condition in childhood. Causes include neurological changes, thyroid issues, or vision loss in one eye. PES Adult Strabismus Center evaluates each case individually to determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How often should adults with intermittent exotropia have their eyes checked?
Adults with intermittent exotropia should have regular eye exams to monitor the condition, ideally at least once a year or more frequently if symptoms worsen. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, we provide ongoing evaluations to track changes and adjust treatments, ensuring patients receive optimal care for their condition.
What is the success rate of surgery for intermittent exotropia in adults?
Eye muscle surgery for intermittent exotropia in adults can have a high success rate in terms of eye alignment improvement. However, the outcome depends on factors like the condition’s severity and duration. PES Adult Strabismus Center offers surgical evaluations to discuss realistic expectations, helping patients understand the potential benefits and limitations of surgery.
Can stress or fatigue make intermittent exotropia worse?
Yes, stress and fatigue can exacerbate intermittent exotropia, as these factors reduce eye control, leading to more frequent or noticeable outward drifting. PES Adult Strabismus Center provides guidance on managing triggers and offers treatments like fusional exercises to improve eye control even under challenging conditions.
Are there non-surgical ways to control intermittent exotropia symptoms?
Non-surgical treatments such as fusional exercises, prism glasses, and lifestyle modifications can effectively manage symptoms in many cases. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, we customize treatment plans to meet each patient’s needs, exploring non-surgical options that may help improve eye control and reduce strain.
Is intermittent exotropia linked to other health conditions?
Intermittent exotropia may be linked to other health conditions, such as neurological disorders or thyroid disease, which can impact eye alignment. PES Adult Strabismus Center takes a holistic approach, assessing each patient for underlying health factors that may contribute to their condition and offering specialized care accordingly.
What are the common signs and symptoms of intermittent exotropia in adults?
Common signs and symptoms of intermittent exotropia in adults include occasional outward eye drift, diplopia (double vision), eye strain, and issues with depth perception, or stereopsis. Some individuals may experience headaches or visual discomfort due to eye misalignment. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, our team of ophthalmology and optometry specialists can assess these symptoms and provide a targeted medical diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
How is intermittent exotropia related to other eye conditions like esotropia or amblyopia?
Intermittent exotropia is one type of strabismus, or eye misalignment, but other forms like esotropia, where one or both eyes turn inward, may also occur. Amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” can sometimes develop in childhood and persist in adulthood if the brain suppresses vision in one eye to avoid double vision (diplopia). PES Adult Strabismus Center provides comprehensive care for a range of strabismus-related conditions, with options such as fusional excersises or occlusion therapy to address alignment and visual perception issues.
What are the risks and benefits of strabismus surgery for adults?
Strabismus surgery for intermittent exotropia can help improve alignment by adjusting the extraocular muscles responsible for eye movement. Although surgical intervention carries some risk, it can enhance both the appearance of the eyes and visual functions like depth perception and visual acuity. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, our experienced surgeons evaluate each case to determine the potential benefits and risks, ensuring a personalized approach for patients considering this procedure.
What factors contribute to the prevalence of intermittent exotropia in the United States?
In the United States, intermittent exotropia is one of the more commonly observed types of strabismus among adults. Factors such as genetic predisposition, birth defects affecting the human eye, and even conditions like thyroid issues can play a role in its development. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, we conduct a thorough assessment, considering each patient’s unique background to provide the most effective treatment options.
How does intermittent exotropia impact learning and everyday life?
Intermittent exotropia can interfere with learning and executive functions by disrupting clear vision and visual perception. Patients may experience difficulties with tasks requiring precise visual coordination, like driving or reading, and may even struggle with daily interactions due to misaligned eye contact. PES Adult Strabismus Center specializes in treatment options, including non-surgical methods, that help patients manage these effects and improve their quality of life.
Dr. Eric A. Packwood is an ophthalmologist providing strabismus treatment and surgery at the PES Adult Strabismus Center in the DFW region. Dr. Packwood is also a partner at Pediatric Eye Specialists, President of the Child Vision Center, and the Administrative Director of Ophthalmology at Cook Children’s Medical Center. He graduated from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine, and completed his ophthalmology residency at St. Louis University as chief resident, followed by a fellowship at Washington University.
Since moving to Fort Worth in 2000, Dr. Packwood has been recognized as a “Super Doctor” by Texas Monthly and a “Top Doc” by Fort Worth, Texas magazine. He volunteers at the Alexander Eye Clinic and is involved in medical mission work for underprivileged children. Dr. Packwood has also published several peer-reviewed articles and participated in multiple clinical trials.
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