Vertical StrabismusQueens and Nassau County

Name: Vertical Strabismus
Brand: The Pediatric Eye Center
Rating: 4.8 (488 reviews)

Vertical Strabismus is a form of strabismus in which one eye is higher than the other. It may be constant or intermittent and can impact depth perception and even head positioning. Fortunately, effective treatment is available, starting with a proper diagnosis.

What Is Vertical Strabismus?

In a well-aligned visual system, both eyes point in the same direction at the same time. In Vertical Strabismus, one eye is vertically misaligned and points higher than the other. The upward drift can be subtle or obvious, and may worsen with fatigue. This most common form of Vertical Strabismus is from a congenital abnormality of the superior oblique tendon. Present at birth, this problem can first appear during infancy as a head tilt towards one shoulder. Sometimes, it only starts to cause trouble in young adulthood. Other forms of Vertical Strabismus can result from thyroid disease, head trauma, stroke, or tumor.

How It Affects Your Child’s Vision

Though it may look like “just one eye” is off, Vertical Strabismus always involves both eyes. When the eyes are vertically misaligned, the brain receives two separate images that don’t line up. Younger children often assume a head tilt to avoid visual discomfort or double vision (it's a not-very-long story). Older children and adults are more likely to suffer from double vision that they can't get rid of, regardless of head position.

Infant Vertical Strabismus Treatment in Queens and Nassau County

Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Lichtenstein will create a treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific condition, age, and vision needs. In mild or intermittent cases, non-surgical options may be tried first. If Vertical Strabismus is constant or causing functional vision problems, surgery may be recommended sooner.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Prism Lenses

These special lenses bend light to help align the images from each eye. They can reduce double vision, but won’t correct the underlying misalignment.

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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When Will Dr. Lichtenstein Suggest Vertical Strabismus Surgery?

If there is a head tilt, or if a thin prism is not a reasonable option, surgery may be the "best" option. (Of course, there is always the option of doing nothing.) Eye muscle surgery involves repositioning one or more of the eye muscles responsible for vertical alignment. The goal is to bring the eyes into proper balance, thus reducing/eliminating head tilt, restoring normal depth perception, and improving overall visual comfort. Dr. Lichtenstein has performed thousands of successful pediatric eye surgeries, including procedures for congenital and acquired Vertical Strabismus.

Trusted by Pediatricians, Chosen by Families

We’re proud to be the pediatric eye specialist that physicians across Queens and Nassau County trust with their own patients—and the one families recommend to each other. Our referrals come from exam rooms, school pickup lines, and word-of-mouth across generations. Here’s why:

Manhattan-Level Expertise Right in Your Neighborhood

Dr. Eric Lichtenstein is a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained pediatric eye surgeon who has cared for thousands of children since founding The Pediatric Eye Center in 1999. His reputation is built on clinical precision, deep experience, and a genuine love for working with kids (plus the occasional well-timed Dad joke).

Appointments That Kids Don’t Dread (and Sometimes Even Enjoy)

Dr. Lichtenstein adapts every visit to the child in the chair. For toddlers, that means finger puppets, songs, and silliness. For teens, it means straight talk, low pressure, and zero judgment. He knows when to lean in, when to back off, and how to earn trust at every age.

Communication That Puts Parents at Ease

No guesswork. No jargon. Just clear, honest explanations of what’s going on and what comes next. Dr. Lichtenstein takes time to walk families through the diagnosis, answer every question, and make sure parents leave feeling confident, not confused. Because when you understand the plan, you can focus on what matters: your child.

“So grateful to Dr. Lichtenstein and all office staff for their hard work and dedication. My kids have been patients there for almost 10 years now. All the vision issues have been resolved in a very professional and caring way. Definitely recommend it to everyone.”

Eugenia Cozaru

FAQs Vertical Strabismus

Is Vertical Strabismus always noticeable?

Not always. Some cases are subtle and only show up during fatigue or specific gaze positions. A detailed strabismus exam is the best way to confirm if vertical misalignment is present.

Will my child outgrow Vertical Strabismus?

No. Your child will not outgrow Vertical Strabismus

Can Vertical Strabismus return after surgery?

While the vast majority of children respond well to a single procedure, some do benefit from additional surgery later.

Schedule a Consultation

If your child has a visible upward eye turn, head tilt, or symptoms like double vision or poor depth perception, it’s time for a specialist evaluation. Call The Pediatric Eye Center at (929) 588-8570 to schedule a consultation for infant Vertical Strabismus treatment in Queens and Nassau County.