{"id":888,"date":"2026-08-31T12:05:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T09:05:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bariq-kidseyecenters.com\/%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ad%d9%88%d9%84-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%83%d8%a7%d8%b0%d8%a8\/"},"modified":"2026-10-22T12:07:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T09:07:49","slug":"pseudostrabismus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bariq-kidseyecenters.com\/en\/pseudostrabismus\/","title":{"rendered":"pseudostrabismus"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pseudostrabismus in children<\/strong> refers to a condition where the eyes appear misaligned, even though they are actually perfectly aligned upon examination. This appearance is often linked to the shape of the bridge of the nose and the presence of skin folds at the inner corners of the eyes; it typically becomes less noticeable as the child\u2019s face grows. However, it cannot be diagnosed based solely on appearance or photographs\u2014a professional evaluation by a pediatric ophthalmologist is essential to distinguish it from true strabismus (misalignment).<\/p>\n

If you notice that your child\u2019s eyes appear to turn inward in photographs, you might naturally wonder: Does this require treatment? When will this appearance go away? Here, we explain the causes, the diagnostic process, the differences between these conditions, and when you should schedule an examination or a follow-up visit.<\/p>\n

What is pseudostrabismus in infants and children?<\/h2>\n

Also known as “apparent strabismus,” this condition occurs when one or both eyes appear misaligned, while a medical examination reveals that the eyes are, in fact, properly aligned. This appearance is common in infants due to the specific characteristics of their facial features during their early years.<\/p>\n

The fundamental difference is that pseudostrabismus is merely a description of how the eyes appear, whereas true strabismus involves an actual deviation in the direction of the eyes. That said, normal eye alignment does not necessarily mean a child is free from all vision-related issues; therefore, a comprehensive assessment also includes evaluating the child\u2019s vision and overall eye health.<\/p>\n

Causes of pseudostrabismus in children<\/h2>\n

One of the most common causes is a wide or flat nasal bridge, combined with the presence of skin folds at the inner corners of the eyes, known as epicanthal folds. These skin folds may obscure part of the white of the eye near the nose, making it appear to the family as though the eye is turned inward, even though it is actually aligned correctly.<\/p>\n

The prominence of this appearance varies depending on facial features, the direction of the gaze, and the angle from which the eye is viewed (or photographed). While an ophthalmologist may identify other anatomical explanations, conditions such as tumors or infections are not typical causes that a family should assume when observing this appearance in an infant.<\/p>\n

Signs of Pseudostrabismus (False Squint): What Might a Family Notice?<\/h2>\n