Have you ever crossed your eyes just to see what happens, or heard someone warn you they might get stuck? It’s a harmless curiosity for many, but it can also spark concern over whether it’s unhealthy for your eyes.
Briefly crossing your eyes won’t cause damage or make them stay that way. It’s a normal movement that your eye muscles are built to handle. Understanding how your eyes work and when to check in with your optometrist can help you spot concerns early and support long-term vision health.
Still, it’s worth knowing the difference between playful eye crossing and eye conditions that affect alignment.
Myth or Fact: Can Your Eyes Really Get Stuck Crossed?
It’s a myth. Voluntary eye crossing is a normal function called convergence. This movement helps you focus on close objects and is controlled by your eye muscles, which relax naturally when the movement stops.
The idea that your eyes could get stuck while crossed likely stems from the discomfort or muscle fatigue that can occur if you hold the position for too long. But that fatigue is temporary. There’s no evidence that crossing your eyes can cause permanent misalignment or injury.
Like other myths, such as “reading in dim light ruins your eyesight,” this one thrives on misunderstanding rather than evidence. Those funny facial expressions are simply voluntary muscle movements that your eyes can easily reverse.
Understanding How Eye Muscles Work
Your eyes are controlled by 6 extraocular muscles that move them in different directions. These muscles work in coordination so both eyes stay aligned and focus on the same object.
Crossing your eyes activates the medial rectus muscles in each eye. These muscles pull your eyes inward and assist with tasks such as reading up close or examining nearby objects. When you stop focusing on that close-up target, the muscles relax and your eyes return to their usual position.
These muscles are just like any other muscle in your body; they can tire, but they don’t get stuck from use alone.
When Eye Movement Might Point to a Bigger Issue
If someone’s eyes appear crossed all the time, or if one eye seems to wander, this could be a sign of an underlying vision problem or neurological issue.
Eye misalignment that occurs involuntarily or doesn’t go away on its own may require treatment or further evaluation.
Strabismus
Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes do not align properly. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other focuses normally. It’s often caused by muscle imbalance or issues with the nerves controlling the muscles.
Strabismus can develop in children or adults. In children, early treatment is important to support visual development. In adults, it can be related to other health conditions, such as diabetes or stroke.
Symptoms may include:
- Eyes that appear misaligned
- Double vision
- Difficulty with depth perception
- Head tilting or squinting to focus
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose strabismus and recommend treatments like glasses, eye exercises, or surgery in some cases.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia, often called lazy eye, is when one eye doesn’t develop normal vision during early childhood. It’s often related to strabismus, where the brain starts to ignore input from the misaligned eye to avoid double vision.
Signs of amblyopia can include:
- Poor depth perception
- Eyes that do not appear to work together
- One eye drifting inward or outward
- Frequent squinting or shutting one eye
The earlier amblyopia is treated, the better the chances of improving vision. Treatment may involve patching the stronger eye to force the weaker eye to develop more effectively or using corrective lenses.
Other Things That Can Impact Your Eye Health
While crossing your eyes won’t harm them, other habits and conditions can affect how your eyes feel and function.
Digital devices, for example, can put a real strain on your vision.
Digital Eye Strain
Also known as computer vision syndrome, digital eye strain is caused by extended use of screens. Staring at a device too long without breaks can cause the muscles that help your eyes focus to become overworked.
Common symptoms include:
- Eye fatigue
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Trouble focusing between near and far
You can reduce digital eye strain by following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjusting your screen setup and taking regular breaks can also help.
When Symptoms Shouldn’t Be Ignored
While crossing your eyes for fun is harmless, not every eye movement or change in vision is. Many eye conditions can share similar symptoms, making it difficult to tell what’s minor and what may need attention.
If you’re experiencing consistent eye discomfort, misalignment, or vision changes, an optometrist can help uncover the cause and refer you to an ophthalmologist if needed. Getting a professional opinion can bring peace of mind and support your long-term eye health.
Total Vision Diamond Bar offers compassionate, personalized care to help patients understand their vision and maintain their eye health. If you have concerns about your eye alignment or visual comfort, book an eye exam to explore the support and solutions available to you.
