Duane Syndrome is a rare eye movement disorder that affects the muscles responsible for controlling eye movement. It is typically present at birth and characterized by limited or abnormal eye movements.
Individuals with Duane Syndrome experience difficulty moving their eyes horizontally towards the affected side. This is due to the abnormal development of the cranial nerves that control eye movement. As a result, affected individuals may compensate by turning their head to see in the desired direction.
There are three types of Duane Syndrome: type 1, type 2, and type 3. Type 1 is the most common and is characterized by limited eye movement towards the affected side. Type 2 involves limited eye movement towards the unaffected side, while type 3 presents with limited eye movement in both directions.
Although the exact cause of Duane Syndrome is unknown, it is believed to be related to abnormal development of the eye muscles during early pregnancy. It is not a progressive condition and does not worsen over time. Duane Syndrome is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination and may be managed with strategies such as head positioning or surgery to improve eye alignment.