Other Conditions That Can Be Confused With Strabismus

A child may appear to have strabismus, or crossed eyes, when in fact the eyes are properly aligned. This is called pseudoesotropia (sometimes also called pseudostrabismus).

Typically, a child with pseudoesotropia has a wide, flat bridge of the nose and a large fold of skin near the upper inside corner of the eye that hides part of the white of the eye. Although the eye is aligned with the other eye, the fold of skin makes the eye look as if it is turning inward.

An eye exam by a doctor will show that the child's eyes are looking at the same point at the same time. Pseudoesotropia does not need treatment and the appearance of crossed eyes will usually go away as the child grows older.