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Authors
STUTEVILLE, JENNIFER L. OD; KING, JEREMY D. OD; WEST, ROGER W. PhD, OD

Redirecting Gaze to Improve the Cosmetic Appearance of Strabismus

publication date
April 11, 2007
Category
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Abstract/Introduction

Purpose

We studied a behavioral technique in which strabismics can reduce the detectability of their eye turn by appropriately redirecting their gaze. We tested the efficacy of this technique for various amounts of strabismus and different positions of gaze.

 

Methods

We took digital images of a model gazing in different lateral directions and digitally edited them to simulate fixation with one eye on different lateral locations whereas the other eye was misaligned from the first by ±0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 Δ. Then we asked 22 lay observers to examine each of the images and to report whether or not they perceived eye contact and normal gaze.


Conclusion/Results

Results

The observers reported that our model appeared to look normal and gave them eye contact two-thirds of the time for up to 18 Δ of exotropia and 12 of esotropia when she looked half her prismatic deviation to the side opposite her eye turn.

 

Conclusion

By appropriately directing their gaze, both exotropes and esotropes can improve the cosmetic appearance of their strabismus and increase the perception that they are looking at the observer. This may be useful during job interviews and other social encounters where eye contact and a good impression are critical. A drawback is that large amounts of strabismus may require the gazer to look far to the side of the observer’s head where it may be difficult to maintain gaze and the observer’s facial expression may be hard to read. However, all patients may be counseled on which eye to look at when engaging in conversation, as looking at the appropriate rather than the inappropriate eye can reduce the perceived amount of their strabismus. Also, when their portrait is being taken, the full amount of eccentric gaze could easily be used.


Testimonials


Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.


Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.


Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John  are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!


Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!


Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!


Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!


Alice M.
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