My son had surgery for strabismus at age 5 - he had a severe vertical misalignment as well as a slight inward turn that was intermittent. He saw double unless he tilted his head. He still learned how to read at an early age though. Now that the double vision and depth perception are corrected, we are wondering if he still doesn't have some residual issues between the brain and eyes (even though he is "cured" according to the opthamologist) like tracking, focusing, and eyes working together because he is having trouble completing work in school.
We are going for an evaluation with a behavioral optometrist who does vision therapy this month. Some can treat strabismus without surgery, although my son's was severe and also done for cosmetic reasons.
You will find that opthamologists generally don't believe in vision therapy so you may get different opinions. Kind of have to go with your gut on this one.
Check out this site:
http://www.visiontherapy.org/ or
http://www.allaboutvision.com/parents/vision_therapy.htm
