H49-H52: Disorders of ocular muscles, binocular movement, accommodation and refraction

H49: Paralytic strabismus

Paralytic strabismus refers to a group of conditions characterized by misalignment of the eyes, resulting from a weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control eye movement. It commonly occurs when the nerves supplying these muscles are damaged. The cause of this damage can vary, often it is due to trauma, neurologic diseases, infections, and systemic diseases like diabetes. Common symptoms include double vision, difficulty focusing on objects, and uncoordinated eye movement with one eye unable to move fully. With time, there might be progression of eye misalignment and worsening of symptoms. This condition primarily affects the nervous and muscular systems. While it can be present at birth (congenital), paralytic strabismus can also develop later in life (acquired).