What is a sign that strabismus is abnormal when observed in a child?

A sign that strabismus is abnormal in a child is if it is still observed after 6 months of age. In normal development, newborns may exhibit intermittent strabismus due to immature eye muscle control. However, by 6 months of age, a child should demonstrate consistent alignment of the eyes. If strabismus persists beyond this age, it may indicate an underlying condition that requires further evaluation and possible intervention.

Timely identification and treatment of strabismus are crucial to prevent long-term issues with vision, such as amblyopia (often referred to as "lazy eye"). Hence, the significance of monitoring for strabismus in infants and young children lies in the developmental milestones related to visual alignment and depth perception. Observing strabismus beyond the 6-month mark warrants further examination by a healthcare professional.