Pseudostrabismus

Pseudostrabismus

A broad dorsum of the nose with epicanthal folds through which the nasal aspect of the palpebral fissure appears shortened can often simulate strabis-mus in small children (Fig. 17.12). The child’s eyes appear esotropic especially when gazing  the side. Testing with a focused light will reveal that the cor-neal reflexes are symmetrical, and there will be no eye adjustments in the cover test. Usually the epicanthal folds will spontaneously disappear during the first few years of life as the dorsum of the nose develops.