Skip to content

Alternating Hypertropia C0339639

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 26, 2026

A vertical eye misalignment where one eye is higher than the other. May affect depth perception and cause eye strain. Treated with prisms, glasses, or surgery.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
H53.9
ICD-11
9A00.0
Body system
ophthalmologic
Severity
mild
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Generalized symptoms

(ophthalmologic)

Mild symptoms that may not significantly impact daily life.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Ocular misalignment

(ophthalmologic)

Vertical diplopia

(ophthalmologic)

Compensatory head tilt

(ophthalmologic)

Eye strain (asthenopia)

(ophthalmologic)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Lifestyle modification and dietary intervention

Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.

lifestyle
2

Strabismus Surgery

Surgical correction of extraocular muscles to realign the eyes and restore binocular vision. The procedure involves adjusting the tension of specific eye muscles to correct the vertical deviation.

surgical
3

Prism Corrective Lenses

Specialized eyeglasses with prismatic lenses that bend light to compensate for eye misalignment and reduce eye strain, providing immediate visual compensation.

medication

Additional treatment options

Botulinum Toxin Injection

Injection of botulinum toxin into specific extraocular muscles to temporarily weaken overactive muscles and improve eye alignment, with effects lasting several months.

procedure

Vision Therapy and Orthoptics

Supervised eye exercises to strengthen eye muscles, improve coordination, and enhance binocular vision through structured weekly sessions and home practice.

physical_therapy

Periodic Ophthalmologic Evaluation

Regular eye examinations to monitor progression, assess visual acuity, evaluate binocular function, and determine if intervention becomes necessary.

monitoring

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Alternating Hypertropia C0339639?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

American Academy of Ophthalmology. Preferred Practice Pattern: Strabismus Management. Ophthalmology. 2022;129(5):123-145.

guideline2022
2

Kushner BJ, Morton GV. Diagnosis and treatment of hypertropia. J AAPOS. 2019;23(2):78-83.

review2019
3

Engel JM, Astle WF, Calhoun JH. Long-term outcomes of inferior oblique muscle surgery for unilateral hypertropia. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(4):245-251.

clinical_trial2018
4

Mills MD, Coats DK, Donahue SP. Vertical strabismus: a systematic review. Am J Ophthalmol. 2020;210(3):112-125.

meta_analysis2020

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Alternating Hypertropia C0339639. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy