Strabismus in infants may be normal for a short period; which statement is true?

• A. It can be normal in the first few months.
• B. It is always abnormal.
• C. It never resolves on its own.
• D. All strabismus requires immediate surgery.

Answer: (A)

Infants’ eye muscles and binocular vision are still maturing in the first months of life. During this time, brief, intermittent misalignment can occur as the brain learns to fuse images from both eyes. This normal development often settles on its own, with true, lasting alignment typically established by about 3 to 6 months of age. So, the statement that strabismus can be normal in the first few months is true. If misalignment persists beyond that early window or is constant, it warrants evaluation by an eye specialist because prolonged misalignment can risk amblyopia. Immediate surgery is not the standard or universal approach.