Exotropia Queens & Nassau County

Name: Exotropia
Brand: The Pediatric Eye Center
Rating: 4.8 (342 reviews)

Exotropia is a form of strabismus where the eyes drift outward. It may occur occasionally or constantly, and it can cause double vision, eye strain, and even interfere with depth perception. At The Pediatric Eye Center, we offer age-appropriate, expert care for all forms of exotropia.

What Is Exotropia?

In children with exotropia, the eyes are not properly aligned. While one eye looks straight ahead, the other turns outward, away from the nose. The outward turn might appear only occasionally (intermittent exotropia) or be visible most or all of the time (constant exotropia). Even if only one eye looks “off,” both eyes are involved because the eyes are misaligned relative to each other.

How Does Exotropia Affect Your Child’s Vision?

When the eyes drift apart, the brain receives two different images. In younger children, the brain often suppresses the image from the misaligned eye to avoid double vision. But that short-term fix can prevent the eye from developing normal vision. In older children, suppression may not be possible, leading to double vision, headaches, and visual fatigue.

Before & After Exotropia

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Types of Exotropia

Intermittent Exotropia

This type is the most common. The outward drift happens occasionally, often during periods of fatigue, daydreaming, illness, or when looking at distant objects. Many children can realign their eyes at will, but the frequency may increase over time.

Congenital (or Infantile) Exotropia

While uncommon, this type appears within the first six months of life. When indicated, Dr. Lichtenstein offers the gold standard of infant exotropia surgery in Queens and Nassau County.

Sensory Exotropia

This develops when one eye has significantly worse vision than the other. The brain basically forgets the poorly-sighted eye and the eye drifts outwards. This can occur at any age, but is much more common when someone develops a visual deficit after the age of two years.

Symptoms of Exotropia

Parents often notice that their child’s eye sometimes drifts outward, especially when the child is daydreaming, tired, or looking into the distance. Here are other signs to look out for:

Squinting, especially in bright light
Closing or pulling the upper lid down with a finger
Eye strain
Reduced depth perception
Double vision (in older children & adults)

Not all children will be able to verbalize their visual difficulties, so subtle behavioral changes—like clumsiness, pulling the upper lid down, or squinting —can also be clues.

How Is Exotropia Treated?

The goal of exotropia treatment is to realign the eyes, preserve binocular vision, and support healthy visual development. Dr. Lichtenstein designs each treatment plan based on the type and frequency of your child’s exotropia, as well as their age, symptoms, and overall visual needs.

“Best pediatric eye doctor in NYC! He was my eye doctor and now my kids. He is the most cheerful, kind, and compassionate doctor I've known!”

Ibel Perez

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When Does Dr. Lichtenstein Suggest Exotropia Surgery ? in Queens & Nassau County

Dr. Lichtenstein will consider surgery if:

The exotropia is present more than 50% of the time
It is increasing in frequency or becoming harder to control
Your child has double vision or visual confusion
Binocular vision is being lost
Exotropia affects confidence or social interaction
The parents of a younger child are upset about it

Timing matters—but there’s no “best age.” Decisions are based on exotropia frequency and whether the eye turn is causing a problem for the child or family. Age is not an important consideration.

Trusted by Pediatricians, Chosen by Families

We are proud to be the go-to referral for pediatricians throughout Queens and Nassau County. Parents regularly share their experiences with friends, teachers, and extended family—because they’ve seen the difference expert care can make.

We Offer Exceptional Medical Expertise—With a Personal Touch

Since founding The Pediatric Eye Center in 1999, Dr. Eric Lichtenstein has treated tens of thousands of infants, toddlers, tweens, and teens across the tri-state area. His depth of experience is matched by a calm, reassuring presence—and a sense of humor that’s only gotten better with time (like a vintage Dad joke).

We Tailor Every Visit to the Child in the Room

Dr. Lichtenstein knows how to make eye exams feel approachable—even fun. For toddlers, it might involve finger puppets, silly songs, or a perfectly timed animal sound. For older kids, it’s all about low-pressure respect. Whatever your child’s age or personality, he adapts—because earning trust is just as important as testing vision.

We Believe Communication Should Be Clear and Collaborative

You deserve to understand what’s going on with your child’s eyes. Dr. Lichtenstein explains his diagnostic thinking and recommendations in plain language, welcomes questions from both parents and kids, and makes sure you feel like an informed partner, not a bystander. His goal is to leave you confident, not confused.

I love how he treated the kids like it's their appointment and not the parents’.

Dr. E. is the sweetest and kindest pediatric ophthalmologist I've ever met.

... an excellent eye doctor, incredibly friendly and patient with my little one, making the entire visit smooth and stress-free.

Dr. Lichtenstein is the best! He’s funny, kind, and really knows his craft.

The best doctor I have ever seen.

The best doctor solved my son’s problem with patience and care.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Eric A. Lichtenstein for the exceptional care provided...

...I have nothing but kind things to say.

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Schedule a Consultation

If your child’s eye drifts outward—or if you’ve been told they may have exotropia—call us to schedule an exam. Early diagnosis gives us the best chance to protect your child’s vision for life. Call The Pediatric Eye Center at (929) 588-8570 to book your consultation for infant exotropia surgery in Queens and Nassau County.

Exotropia Queens & Nassau County

What Is Exotropia?

How Does Exotropia Affect Your Child’s Vision?

Before & After Exotropia

Types of Exotropia

Intermittent Exotropia

Congenital (or Infantile) Exotropia

Sensory Exotropia

Symptoms of Exotropia

How Is Exotropia Treated?

“Best pediatric eye doctor in NYC! He was my eye doctor and now my kids. He is the most cheerful, kind, and compassionate doctor I've known!”

Schedule a Consultation

When Does Dr. Lichtenstein Suggest Exotropia Surgery ? in Queens & Nassau County

Trusted by Pediatricians, Chosen by Families

We Offer Exceptional Medical Expertise—With a Personal Touch

We Tailor Every Visit to the Child in the Room

We Believe Communication Should Be Clear and Collaborative

Schedule a Consultation

Trusted by Pediatricians. Chosen by Families.