The Stigma of Strabismus: An Ophthalmologist's Perspective

Abstract

I would like to congratulate Satterfield et al¹for their article in the August 1993 issue of theArchives. This is an excellent article that addresses many problems that the patient with strabismus experiences. I do not believe many ophthalmologists are sensitive to their problems or needs. As an ophthalmologist who grew up with a nonaccommodative esotropia that followed poliomyelitis with onset at age 5 years, partial surgical correction at age 14 years, and slight overcorrection at age 24 years, I can attest to the multiple problems that the child or adult with strabismus encounters. The cruel insensitivity of other children and adults cannot be overstated. As a result, I developed multiple defense mechanisms that still allowed me to reach my goals in life. The most profound effects on my activities as a child were with regard to sports and social interactions. Fortunately, I learned alternative methods of achieving