Adult Eye Care
Orthoptic care is not only for children. Adults can also experience problems with eye alignment, binocular vision, eye movements and double vision, and specialist orthoptic assessment can help identify and manage these concerns.
If you have noticed a change in your eye alignment, are experiencing double vision or have ongoing difficulties with the way your eyes work together, an adult orthoptic assessment can help provide a clearer understanding of your symptoms and the options available to you.
Specialist Orthoptic Care for Adults
Orthoptic care can be beneficial for adults experiencing a range of problems affecting how the eyes move, align and work together.
Adults may seek orthoptic assessment for concerns such as:
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Eye alignment problems
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Adult squint
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Double vision
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Binocular vision difficulties
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Eye movement problems
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Changes in vision following an eye condition, injury or surgery
Your assessment will be tailored to your symptoms and individual visual needs. The aim is to understand how your eyes are working together and whether orthoptic management or further assessment may be appropriate.
Orthoptic care is available for adults as well as children, and you do not need to have had an eye problem during childhood to benefit from an assessment.
What Is an Adult Squint?
An adult squint, also known as strabismus, occurs when the eyes are not properly aligned and do not point in the same direction.
A squint may have been present since childhood, or it may develop or become noticeable during adulthood. The eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards, and the amount of misalignment can vary depending on the individual.
An adult squint can sometimes affect more than the appearance of the eyes. It may be associated with symptoms such as double vision, visual discomfort, difficulty using the two eyes together or problems with certain visual tasks.
When Should You Have an Assessment?
An assessment may be appropriate if:
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You have developed a new or noticeable eye turn
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You are experiencing double vision
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Your eye alignment has changed
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You have difficulty using both eyes together
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You experience visual discomfort or difficulty with certain visual tasks
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You have noticed a change following an eye condition, injury or surgery
A specialist assessment can help determine the type and extent of the eye alignment problem and whether further management is appropriate.
How Can Adult Squint Be Managed?
Management depends on the type of squint, your symptoms and the findings from your assessment.
Depending on your individual circumstances, management may include observation and monitoring, glasses or prism correction, orthoptic exercises in appropriate cases, or referral for further specialist treatment where required.
Your clinician will discuss the assessment findings with you and explain the options that may be suitable for your situation.
What Is Double Vision?
Double vision, also known as diplopia, occurs when a person sees two images of the same object instead of one.
Double vision can occur for different reasons. It may be related to problems with eye alignment or eye movements, but there can also be other underlying causes. For this reason, new or persistent double vision should be assessed appropriately rather than assuming that it is simply an eyesight problem.
How Can an Orthoptic Assessment Help?
An orthoptic assessment looks at how the eyes move and work together. Your clinician may assess your eye movements, alignment and binocular vision to help understand the nature of your symptoms.
Where appropriate, the assessment may also help determine whether options such as prism correction could be considered as part of your management.
The most appropriate approach depends on the cause of your double vision and the findings from your clinical assessment.
When Should You Seek Specialist Advice?
You should consider seeking professional advice if you are experiencing:
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New or persistent double vision
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Changes in your eye alignment
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Difficulty keeping images single
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Visual discomfort when using both eyes
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Symptoms that are affecting reading, driving or other everyday activities
If double vision develops suddenly, particularly when accompanied by other new or concerning symptoms, prompt medical assessment may be appropriate.
Specialist Adult Orthoptic Assessment
If you are looking for a private orthoptist in London, an adult orthoptic assessment can provide an opportunity to discuss your symptoms and have your eye alignment, movements and binocular vision assessed.
Your appointment will focus on your individual concerns rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Following your assessment, your clinician can explain the findings and discuss whether monitoring, prism correction, orthoptic management or further specialist assessment may be appropriate.
Whether you have experienced an eye alignment problem for many years or have recently noticed a change, specialist assessment can help you better understand your visual symptoms.
What to Expect From Your Adult Eye Assessment
Your assessment will begin with a discussion about your symptoms, visual history and any concerns you may have.
Depending on your symptoms, your clinician may assess:
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Visual function
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Eye movements
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Eye alignment
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Binocular vision
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How your eyes work together
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Your response to different forms of correction where appropriate
Your clinician will explain the findings and discuss the next steps with you.
Concerned About Your Eye Alignment or Double Vision?
If you are experiencing double vision, an adult squint or difficulties with the way your eyes work together, a specialist orthoptic assessment can help you understand your symptoms and the options available. If you would like to discuss your symptoms before booking, contact our clinic and our team can provide further information.