Device-based vision treatment
Device-based treatment is an individual programme of visual exercises for amblyopia and selected binocular vision problems.
Learn moreService options
About the service
Strabismus treatment aims to improve eye alignment and binocular function according to the cause. It may include optical correction, amblyopia care, functional treatment and surgery when indicated.
Who the service is for
Child with a visible eye turn
The deviation may be constant or intermittent and may become more obvious in photographs or when tired. Refraction, amblyopia and binocular function should be assessed.
Esotropia with farsightedness
The ophthalmologist determines how much of the deviation is accommodative and whether full spectacle correction straightens the eyes.
Intermittent or constant exotropia
Frequency of deviation, control, symptoms and binocular vision help determine whether observation, non-surgical care or surgery is appropriate.
Strabismus with amblyopia
The weaker eye needs separate treatment. Eye-muscle surgery does not by itself eliminate amblyopia.
Double vision and its pattern
If you have double vision , note when it began, whether it disappears when one eye is closed, and in which gaze direction it is worse.
Patient after previous surgery
Residual or recurrent deviation requires new measurements, review of previous surgery and individualized re-operative planning.
Adult with long-standing stable strabismus
After the cause, diplopia and binocular function are assessed, prism or surgical correction may be considered.
Strabismus and eye alignment
Sudden new strabismus or diplopia in an adult requires timely assessment of the underlying cause. Surgery changes alignment, but the result depends on the type of strabismus, baseline angle, muscle condition and neural control.
Pain and discomfort
In a child, a new eye deviation, eyelid droop, unusual restriction of eye movement, a white pupillary reflex, severe headache or vomiting requires prompt medical assessment.
Amblyopia treatment
Patching treats amblyopia; it is not a universal way to straighten an eye. An ophthalmologist prescribes the schedule for covering the better-seeing eye.
Assessment before treatment
Home exercises are useful only for selected disorders and must not replace diagnostic evaluation of the cause of strabismus.
Previous treatment
Further treatment or another operation can sometimes be required.
Age considerations
KazRIED-specific age limits, anesthesia, hospitalization duration and post-operative restrictions must be confirmed for the individual patient.
Results and documents
Bring previous ophthalmology reports, surgical records, current spectacles, prescriptions and test results if available.
Do not change medicines yourself
For children, vision must be assessed separately in each eye. Do not stop prescribed spectacles or patching before the visit unless instructed.
Results and medical records
If you have had previous strabismus surgery, report its date and which muscles were operated on, and bring the medical summary if it has been preserved.
When urgent care is needed
Sudden new eye misalignment, especially with diplopia, severe headache, weakness, speech problems, eyelid droop or trauma, requires urgent medical assessment rather than routine booking. Associated neurological symptoms require emergency care.
Limitations and safety
Sudden new strabismus or diplopia in an adult requires timely assessment of the underlying cause. Associated neurological symptoms require emergency care.
Book a consultation
Stages
Stage 1
Consultation and history
The ophthalmologist establishes onset, constancy of the deviation, diplopia, previous surgery, trauma, and relevant neurological or endocrine conditions.
Stage 2
Visual acuity and refraction
Vision is tested in each eye and optical correction is assessed.
Stage 3
Ocular motility assessment
Direction and magnitude of deviation, eye movements, convergence and other ocular motor parameters are measured.
Stage 4
Binocular vision and amblyopia
The clinician evaluates sensory status, fusional ability and amblyopia because these findings change the treatment plan.
Stage 5
Nonsurgical treatment
Spectacles, amblyopia treatment, prism correction or pleoptic-orthoptic methods are prescribed according to the type of strabismus.
Stage 6
Surgical decision
When adequate alignment cannot be achieved or maintained non-surgically, the ophthalmic surgeon determines indications and plans eye-muscle surgery.
Stage 7
Follow-up
Eye position, vision, diplopia and binocular function are reassessed.
Service benefits
Improved eye alignment
Treatment aims to reduce eye deviation according to the cause and type of strabismus.
An opportunity to reduce double vision
In suitable cases, correcting alignment helps reduce double vision; the outcome depends on the underlying mechanism.
Consideration of binocular function
The treatment plan considers the eyes' ability to work together and the need for additional functional therapy.
Selection of suitable correction
Glasses, prisms, exercises or surgery are considered according to indications, rather than one regimen for every type of strabismus.
Methods
Criterion
Optical correction
Amblyopia treatment
Pleoptic-orthoptic methods
Primary goal
Correct refractive error; may reduce accommodative esotropia
Improve function of the weaker-seeing eye
Train specific binocular and ocular motor functions
Especially relevant for
Hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, anisometropia
Childhood amblyopia
Convergence, fusion or fusional-reserve problems when prescribed
Changes alignment
Can be substantial when the deviation is accommodative
Not the primary goal
May improve selected control functions but does not replace surgical alignment
Main limitation
Does not correct a non-accommodative component
Does not correct muscle imbalance by itself
Benefit depends on the specific disorder and program
Optical correction
Primary goal
Especially relevant for
Changes alignment
Main limitation
Correct refractive error; may reduce accommodative esotropia
Hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, anisometropia
Can be substantial when the deviation is accommodative
Does not correct a non-accommodative component
Improve function of the weaker-seeing eye
Childhood amblyopia
Not the primary goal
Does not correct muscle imbalance by itself
Train specific binocular and ocular motor functions
Convergence, fusion or fusional-reserve problems when prescribed
May improve selected control functions but does not replace surgical alignment
Benefit depends on the specific disorder and program
Other Methods
Criterion
Prism correction
Strabismus surgery
Primary goal
Shift the image to reduce diplopia in a useful field of gaze
Change extraocular muscle balance and improve alignment
Typical context
Diplopia, smaller or stable deviations, temporary or ongoing compensation
Clinically significant deviation not adequately managed non-surgically
Effect on amblyopia
Does not treat amblyopia
Does not treat amblyopia by itself
Restrictions;
Not suitable for every angle or gaze pattern and may not remove diplopia in all directions
Residual deviation, reoperation, temporary or persistent diplopia are possible
Prism correction
Primary goal
Typical context
Effect on amblyopia
Restrictions;
Shift the image to reduce diplopia in a useful field of gaze
Diplopia, smaller or stable deviations, temporary or ongoing compensation
Does not treat amblyopia
Not suitable for every angle or gaze pattern and may not remove diplopia in all directions
Change extraocular muscle balance and improve alignment
Clinically significant deviation not adequately managed non-surgically
Does not treat amblyopia by itself
Residual deviation, reoperation, temporary or persistent diplopia are possible
How the Physician Chooses the Method
Criterion
Clinical meaning
Cause and subtype
Accommodative, non-accommodative, paralytic, sensory, post-operative and other forms require different strategies.
Age and visual development
In children, amblyopia risk and binocular development matter; in adults, diplopia and functional symptoms are often central.
Refraction
Shows whether full optical correction can change the strabismus angle.
Angle and frequency
Constant and intermittent strabismus are assessed differently.
Binocular function
Influences treatment goals and potential for functional recovery.
Amblyopia
Requires separate treatment regardless of the surgical decision.
Eye movements
Restricted motility can indicate nerve palsy, mechanical restriction, or another specific mechanism.
Previous surgery
Affects muscle selection and planning for any re-operation.
Clinical meaning
Cause and subtype
Age and visual development
Refraction
Angle and frequency
Binocular function
Amblyopia
Eye movements
Previous surgery
Accommodative, non-accommodative, paralytic, sensory, post-operative and other forms require different strategies.
In children, amblyopia risk and binocular development matter; in adults, diplopia and functional symptoms are often central.
Shows whether full optical correction can change the strabismus angle.
Constant and intermittent strabismus are assessed differently.
Influences treatment goals and potential for functional recovery.
Requires separate treatment regardless of the surgical decision.
Restricted motility can indicate nerve palsy, mechanical restriction, or another specific mechanism.
Affects muscle selection and planning for any re-operation.
Book an appointment
Schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist if a child or adult has an eye that turns constantly or intermittently, experiences double vision, exhibits a forced head turn, or if previous treatment did not yield the expected results.
Procedure prices
Service name
Price
Adult ophthalmology consultation (per consultation)
from 12 000 ₸
Pediatric ophthalmology consultation (per consultation)
from 12 000 ₸
Convergence assessment (per service)
from 900 ₸
Binocular vision status assessment (per service)
from 1 300 ₸
Ocular motor apparatus assessment (per service)
from 1 000 ₸
Objective/subjective angle and bifoveal fusion assessment (per service)
from 1 000 ₸
Fusional reserves (per service)
from 1 000 ₸
Optical correction of ametropia (per service)
from 2 900 ₸
Convergence training (per session)
from 1 000 ₸
Bifoveal fusion training (per session)
from 2 000 ₸
Fusional reserve training (per session)
from 1 300 ₸
Diploptic treatment (per session)
from 1 000 ₸
Computer-based strabismus treatment (per session)
from 1 100 ₸
Strabismus surgery
Cost determined after consultation
Our doctors
A team of experienced doctors across specialties.
Experience: 26 years
Ophthalmologist
Tuletova Aygerim Serikbaevna
Candidate of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 18 years
Consultant Physician
Tasboltaev Beknur Rakhimberdievich
Experience: 7 years
Ophthalmologist
Sultanbaeva Zhansaya Temirbolatovna
Second-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 6 years
Ophthalmologist
Qasymbekova Gulnaz Nurlanqyzy
Second-category ophthalmologist
Strabismus: diagnosis and treatment
Strabismus means that the visual axes of the eyes are not directed at the same point. The deviation may be inward, outward, or vertical, and may be constant or intermittent.
In childhood, eye misalignment can interfere with normal binocular vision development and may coexist with amblyopia. In adults, acquired strabismus is often accompanied by double vision.
Where does treatment begin?
Treatment begins with identifying the cause. The clinician assesses:
- refraction and visual acuity in each eye;
- the type and magnitude of the deviation;
- eye movements;
- the ability to use both eyes together;
- conditions that may cause acquired strabismus.
When can glasses and nonsurgical treatment help?
In accommodative esotropia, correctly prescribed glasses can substantially reduce or eliminate the inward deviation while they are worn.
When amblyopia is present, reduced vision is treated separately with full optical correction, patching, or other methods prescribed by an ophthalmologist.
Pleoptic and orthoptic procedures target specific visual functions and should not automatically be considered a replacement for glasses or surgery.
What can surgery achieve?
Surgery changes the balance of the eye muscles to improve eye alignment. It does not guarantee perfect symmetry, full restoration of visual acuity, or binocular vision.
Nonsurgical treatment may be needed before and after surgery, particularly if a child has amblyopia.
Considerations for adults
In adults, strabismus treatment may have functional goals: reducing double vision, correcting an abnormal head posture, or improving coordination between the eyes.
Sudden-onset strabismus in an adult first requires investigation of the cause. It may be associated with damage to the nerves controlling eye movements, or with vascular, neurological, endocrine, or other conditions.
How are the treatment plan and goals determined?
Depending on the examination findings, the plan may include glasses or prism correction, amblyopia treatment, pleoptic and orthoptic methods, and eye muscle surgery.
Treatment goals are individualized: to improve coordination between the eyes, reduce misalignment and double vision, and preserve or develop visual functions.
Further procedure details
Visual acuity and refraction
Vision is tested in each eye and optical correction is assessed. Children may require age-appropriate refraction assessment.
Follow-up
Eye position, vision, diplopia and binocular function are reassessed. Further care depends on outcome and age.
Additional advice and situations
Glasses fully align the eyes
Full optical correction is continued and vision and amblyopia are monitored. Surgery may not be required.
Residual deviation remains with glasses
The angle, binocular function and need for orthoptic or surgical treatment are reassessed.
Amblyopia is present
Treatment of the weaker eye continues in parallel regardless of the surgical decision.
Clinically significant strabismus persists after non-surgical treatment
Surgical assessment is considered when surgery may improve alignment or functional symptoms.
A small residual deviation remains after surgery
Management depends on symptoms and may include observation, prism, orthoptic care, or another operation.
New diplopia or worsening eye movement develops
Repeat assessment is needed, including evaluation for neurological, endocrine or mechanical causes when appropriate.
Strabismus: diagnosis and treatment
Strabismus means that the visual axes of the eyes are not directed at the same point. The deviation may be inward, outward, or vertical, and may be constant or intermittent.
In childhood, eye misalignment can interfere with normal binocular vision development and may coexist with amblyopia. In adults, acquired strabismus is often accompanied by double vision.
Where does treatment begin?
Treatment begins with identifying the cause. The clinician assesses:
- refraction and visual acuity in each eye;
- the type and magnitude of the deviation;
- eye movements;
- the ability to use both eyes together;
- conditions that may cause acquired strabismus.
When can glasses and nonsurgical treatment help?
In accommodative esotropia, correctly prescribed glasses can substantially reduce or eliminate the inward deviation while they are worn.
When amblyopia is present, reduced vision is treated separately with full optical correction, patching, or other methods prescribed by an ophthalmologist.
Pleoptic and orthoptic procedures target specific visual functions and should not automatically be considered a replacement for glasses or surgery.
What can surgery achieve?
Surgery changes the balance of the eye muscles to improve eye alignment. It does not guarantee perfect symmetry, full restoration of visual acuity, or binocular vision.
Nonsurgical treatment may be needed before and after surgery, particularly if a child has amblyopia.
Considerations for adults
In adults, strabismus treatment may have functional goals: reducing double vision, correcting an abnormal head posture, or improving coordination between the eyes.
Sudden-onset strabismus in an adult first requires investigation of the cause. It may be associated with damage to the nerves controlling eye movements, or with vascular, neurological, endocrine, or other conditions.
How are the treatment plan and goals determined?
Depending on the examination findings, the plan may include glasses or prism correction, amblyopia treatment, pleoptic and orthoptic methods, and eye muscle surgery.
Treatment goals are individualized: to improve coordination between the eyes, reduce misalignment and double vision, and preserve or develop visual functions.
Facts and offers
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What is strabismus?
Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned and their visual axes are not directed at the same target.
Can strabismus be treated?
In many cases, eye alignment and visual function can be improved. Treatment depends on the type and cause and may include glasses, amblyopia treatment, prisms, orthoptic methods or surgery.
Can childhood strabismus be treated without surgery?
Yes. Some forms are managed primarily with appropriate glasses, amblyopia treatment and other non-surgical methods. Not every child requires surgery.
Can adults be treated for strabismus?
Yes. Treatment may include prisms, selected orthoptic exercises and surgery. New-onset strabismus in an adult should first be investigated for its underlying cause.
Does patching straighten the eyes?
Patching is primarily used to treat amblyopia by encouraging use of the weaker eye. It is not a universal method for correcting the eye deviation itself.
Can glasses straighten crossed eyes?
In accommodative esotropia, appropriate correction of farsightedness can markedly reduce or eliminate the eye crossing while the glasses are worn.
Why can strabismus cause amblyopia?
In children, the brain may suppress the image from the deviating eye to avoid visual conflict. This can interfere with normal visual development in that eye.
When is strabismus surgery needed?
Indications depend on the type and size of the deviation, control of eye alignment, diplopia, binocular function and response to non-surgical treatment.
At what age is strabismus surgery performed in children?
There is no single age that applies to every type of strabismus. Timing depends on the form and severity of the condition and the child’s visual development.
How much does strabismus surgery cost?
The cost is determined by the current price list of KazRI of eye diseases and may depend on the scope of surgery and any additional medical services required.