How Strabismus Impacts Depth Perception and Eye Coordination

Strabismus is a vision condition that affects how the eyes work together. Often recognized by eyes that appear misaligned or “crossed,” strabismus can have a much greater impact than cosmetic appearance alone. When the eyes are not properly aligned, the brain receives conflicting visual information, which can significantly affect depth perception and eye coordination. For children and adults alike, these challenges can interfere with learning, sports, and everyday activities.

What Is Strabismus?

Strabismus occurs when the eyes do not point in the same direction at the same time. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other eye focuses normally. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and may affect one or both eyes.

Because the eyes are not aligned, they do not work together as a team. Instead of producing one clear, unified image, the brain receives two different images that it struggles to combine.

How Strabismus Affects Depth Perception

Depth perception relies on both eyes working together to judge distance, size, and spatial relationships. When the eyes are aligned, the brain blends the two images into one three-dimensional view of the world. Strabismus disrupts this process.

Common depth perception challenges associated with strabismus include:

• Difficulty judging distances accurately

• Trouble catching or throwing a ball

• Challenges with stairs, curbs, or uneven surfaces

• Clumsiness or frequent tripping

• Poor performance in sports or activities requiring hand-eye coordination

In many cases, the brain may suppress or ignore the image from the misaligned eye to avoid double vision. While this helps reduce visual confusion, it further limits depth perception and binocular vision development.

Eye Coordination Problems Caused by Strabismus

Eye coordination refers to the ability of both eyes to move together smoothly and accurately. Strabismus interferes with this coordination, making tasks such as reading, copying from a board, or tracking moving objects more difficult.

Individuals with strabismus may experience:

• Eye fatigue or strain

• Head tilting or turning to compensate for misalignment

• Difficulty tracking words while reading

• Short attention span during visual tasks

• Avoidance of close-up or visually demanding activities

For children, these challenges can affect academic performance, confidence, and behavior. For adults, eye coordination problems can lead to headaches, reduced productivity, and ongoing visual discomfort.

The Role of Vision Therapy in Treating Strabismus

Vision therapy focuses on improving how the eyes and brain work together. Rather than simply masking symptoms, vision therapy addresses the underlying coordination and communication issues caused by strabismus.

At High5 Vision Development, vision therapy programs are customized to each patient and may include:

• Exercises to improve eye alignment and control

• Activities that strengthen binocular vision and depth perception

• Training to enhance eye tracking and focusing skills

• Techniques that help the brain use input from both eyes together

Vision therapy can be especially effective for children, but many teens and adults also experience meaningful improvements. Over time, patients often notice better visual comfort, improved coordination, and increased confidence in daily activities.

Take the Next Step at High5 Vision Development

For families seeking vision therapy in New Braunfels, High5 Vision Development provides specialized care focused on developmental and functional vision challenges. With the right care and support, individuals with strabismus can experience meaningful improvements in how they see and interact with the world.

If you or your child has strabismus and struggles with depth perception or eye coordination, contact High5 Vision Development to schedule a consultation and learn more about vision therapy.  Visit our office in New Braunfels, Texas, or call (210) 507-7979 today.