Accommodative esotropia is a type of strabismus. Strabismus refers to any misalignment of the eyes. Accommodation refers to the contraction of a small muscle inside the eye to cause the natural lens in the eye to change its shape and allow images to focus properly on the back surface of the eye. As a result, a child who is farsighted usually does not have blurred vision. However in some children who are farsighted, this accommodative effort is associated with a reflex crossing of the eyes.
Farsighted glasses control all of the eye crossing.
Accommodative esotropia can begin anywhere from 6 months to 6 years of age. The usual age of onset is between 2 and 3 years of age. A noticeable crossing of the eyes is usually the primary sign. This crossing may only be evident when your child intently views an object at near or when your child is tired or not feeling well. Some children will complain of double vision or may be seen squinting or rubbing one of the eyes.