pseudostrabismus
Last reviewed 01/2018
Pseudostrabismus is a condition in which the eyes appear to the observer to be crossed when actually they are parallel.
In pseudoesotropia, the eyes appear to be deviated inwards - "crossed." It arises from concealment of part of the white sclera at the medial side and may result from an epicanthus; a broad, flat nose; because the eyes are unusually close together; or by an oval palpebral fissure, as in Orientals. The cover-uncover test confirms that the visual axes are parallel. In children, the condition often disappears as the face grows. No treatment is necessary.
In pseudoexotropia, the eyes to be deviated outwards. The cause is a retinal abnormality in which the fovea centralis is displaced. Retinopathy of prematurity is the most common cause.