Strabismus, often known as "crossed eyes" or "wandering eyes," is a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. Instead of both eyes focusing on the same point, one eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards, while the other eye looks straight ahead. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent.

Strabismus can occur in one eye or both, and it can affect either eye at different times. The condition can lead to double vision, difficulty with depth perception, and can affect visual development, especially in children. In some cases, it can also cause amblyopia (lazy eye) if the brain starts ignoring the input from the misaligned eye.

Strabismus can lead to amblyopia if one eye is consistently misaligned and not used properly. The brain may ignore the visual input from the misaligned eye, leading to reduced vision in that eye. Conversely, amblyopia can sometimes be a consequence of strabismus if the misalignment is not corrected and the brain suppresses the vision from one eye. Strabismus is primarily a problem with eye alignment, while amblyopia is a problem with vision development that can be caused by conditions such as strabismus.

Early diagnosis and treatment of strabismus is crucial. Early intervention can prevent the development of amblyopia and improve visual outcomes. Treatments are generally more effective in younger children.