Strabismus, also colloquially known as crossed eyed, is an eye condition that makes it difficult for eyes to align on a solitary focal point and is often the result of injury or hereditary genetics. Also called wandering eyes, the disease is due to a muscular defect that turns one eye down (hypotropia), out (exotropia), in (esotropia) or up (hypertropia). This irregular resistance to eye coordination can negatively impact binocular vision and depth perception.
The condition is most often seen in children less than 6 years of age, which gives eye care professionals plenty of time to diagnose and treat the irregularity before full eye functionality is compromised. Strabismus can lead to amblyopia or lazy eye, which has a more serious risk of visual impairment without early detection and management. Strabismus requires professional attention to eliminate, but a wealth of effective eyeglasses and visual aids are available for treating individuals with this condition.
Dr. Lampard graduated from optometry at Pacific University in Oregon in 1981. He and his wife Lorraine have three grown children, all born and raised in Red Deer. Tom enjoys cycling, curling, cross country and downhill skiing, and golfing. He also keeps busy volunteering for the United Way, has been a chairman of the Alberta College of Optometrists, and director of the Alberta Association of Optometrists.
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