Botox for lazy eye?

Question

I have an intermittent lazy eye (it drifts when i focus, but not all the time). My eye doctor told me botox could be used to fix the cosmetic aspect and make it less noticeable. Is this true? I though botox was for wrinkles.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Botox in a cosmetic dose could affect muscle strength around the orbital rim.  Best to seek a consultation with an experienced injector and physician for an in-person examination to address your particular needs.  Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox can be used to improve a lazy eye. It is minimally invasive and with topical anesthetic, there is minimal discomfort. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert in treating these conditions. Dr. Emer

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Botox was discovered to help with wrinkles by an ophthalmologist who was using it for ocular muscle disorders. The rest is history as they say...You should have this done only by an expert in eye conditions who is familiar with this technique.Good luck, Dr. ALDO

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox injection can be used for lazy eye. It is temporarily treatment and you will need to get Botox injection every 4 months to maintain desired result. Good luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox injection can be used for lazy eye. It is temporarily treatment and you will need to get Botox injection every 4 months to maintain desired result. Good luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

The original indication for Botox was for strabismus, lazy eye. By weakening the stronger muscle, the eye will appear more normal. This must be done by an ophthalmologist because it requires an injection behind the surface of the eye. Longer lasting results are obtained from surgery but if you just want to try it out and see, Botox is a good choice.

Melissa Toyos, MD · Answer

Did you know Botox was originally used for children with lazy eyes? Long before we used it for wrinkles and everything else, it was used safely and effectively for this problem.  The trouble is that it doesn't last long and re-injections are necessary.  Results can be variable and effects can be variable as it takes effect and wears off.  As an eye surgeon, I recommend definitive treatment with eye muscle surgery by a qualified professional to see if it is right for you.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Botox can definitely  be used for lazy eye. A very small amount of Botox is injected into one or more of the interocular muscles that control eye movement. This will temporarily make that muscle lose tension and proper eye alignment can be achieved. Treatment must be repeated every  3-4 months. Please consult a neurologist or ophthalmologist.  Best, Dr. Green

Raminder Saluja, MD · Answer

Botox was originally discovered by Dr. Jean Carruthers, an ophthalmologist where they were utilizing it for pediatric strabismus and hemifacial spasm and blepharospasm.  While treating patients with hemifacial spasm it was noted that it can also improve the wrinkles around the glabellar area and forehead.  So yes, the original usage was more for medical purposes and it is still used for strabismus so your ophthalmologist is indeed correct.  It is harder for intermittent strabismus rather than a fixed strabismus but your ophthalmologist would be able to better guide you on the appropriate dosage.  Clearly this is something that you should have done by an ophthalmologist who treats strabismus in the practice.  Good luck!

Botox for lazy eye?

Answers (9)

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