How is strabismus characterized?

Strabismus is characterized by an inability to align the eyes correctly. This condition occurs when the eye muscles are not functioning together as they should, leading one eye to deviate in a different direction than the other. This misalignment can affect depth perception and can lead to double vision or amblyopia (lazy eye) if not addressed.

In strabismus, the coordination between the eyes is disrupted, drastically impacting how visual information is processed by the brain. The deviation can be constant or intermittent and can occur in various forms, such as esotropia (inward turning of the eye) or exotropia (outward turning of the eye). Treatment options often include vision therapy, corrective lenses, or surgery, depending on the severity and type of strabismus.

Understanding this key characteristic helps differentiate strabismus from other eye conditions that may affect vision or cause discomfort, which is why the other options do not accurately define strabismus.