The condition develops generally in early infancy or childhood. Many children during the first three to four months of life will have some intermittent crossing of their eyes. However, persistent crossed eyes in young children after the age of three to four months should be considered a serious condition. The eye that is turned begins to be ignored by the brain and eventually that image can be fully suppressed. If the condition is not properly treated, that can lead to permanent functional blindness.
Esotropia can also occur in the teen and adult population.
These health-related problems will either effect the nerves that communicate between the brain and the eye or the eye muscles themselves. The first sign of a problem is usually double vision. This should result in a prompt referral to a physician. Treatment of misalignment of the eyes includes correcting a refractive error with glasses. Patching or other devices to force the use of the less-preferred eye is commonly used.