Definition

Noun: A condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other when looking at an object. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent and may involve one or both eyes turning inward (crossed eyes/esotropia), outward (wall eyes/exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia). It is a disorder of binocular vision.

Examples

• The child's strabismus was noticeable when he tried to focus on distant objects.
• Early treatment of strabismus in infants is important for the development of normal vision.
• The ophthalmologist diagnosed a mild case of strabismus.
• Surgery can sometimes correct the alignment issues caused by strabismus.

Advanced Usage

• Latent strabismus (Heterophoria): A tendency for the eyes to misalign that is only apparent when binocular vision is disrupted, such as when one eye is covered.
• Concomitant vs. Incomitant strabismus: Concomitant strabismus means the angle of deviation remains constant in all directions of gaze. Incomitant strabismus means the angle of deviation changes depending on which direction the eyes are looking, often due to a problem with the eye muscles or nerves.

Variants and Related Words

• Strabismic (adjective): Pertaining to or affected by strabismus.
  • The patient had a strabismic eye.
• Squint (noun/verb): A common, less formal term for strabismus, or the act of looking with the eyes partly closed.
• Esotropia (noun): A form of strabismus where one or both eyes turn inward.
• Exotropia (noun): A form of strabismus where one or both eyes turn outward.

Synonyms

• Crossed eyes
• Wall eyes
• Squint (in one of its meanings)
• Heterotropia (medical term)

Related Idioms or Phrases

• "To be cross-eyed": An informal idiom meaning to have esotropia, a type of strabismus where the eyes turn inward.
  • The cartoon character was drawn cross-eyed for a comedic effect.
• "A squint": Can be used informally to refer to the condition.
  • He had a noticeable squint in his left eye.

Noun

1. abnormal alignment of one or both eyes