What does strabismal mean?
Strabismal is an adjective meaning relating to strabismus, the condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned and therefore do not direct their gaze at the same object. It may describe the abnormal deviation itself, as in strabismal deviation, or a related condition affecting vision, such as strabismal amblyopia. The word is primarily used in ophthalmology and optometry, where precise terminology is important. Strabismus can affect either one eye or both and may be associated with impaired visual development, particularly in children. Although strabismal is technically and clinically useful, most speakers use the familiar word squint in general conversation. It is also related to the medical adjective strabismic and the more technical noun strabismus, from the same ancient Greek root for squinting or looking askew.
adjectiveRelating to or affected by strabismus, a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned and do not look at the same object.
- Relating to strabismus or to the abnormal deviation of one or both eyes.
"The specialist explained how the child's strabismal deviation might affect vision and development."
"The clinician used strabismal examination techniques to assess the alignment of the patient's eyes."
"Long-term strabismal amblyopia may require specialist treatment to protect the development of vision."
Strabismal points to the eyes' failure to share the same visual target—a misalignment known medically as strabismus.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strabismal come from?
Strabismal was formed from the medical noun strabismus with the suffix -al, meaning “relating to.” Strabismus comes through Latin from ancient Greek strabismos, derived from strabizein, “to squint” or “look obliquely.” The same Greek root also underlies strabotic, a related medical adjective.
Related word forms
How strabismal is actually used
This is a specialized medical term, used chiefly in ophthalmology and optometry. In everyday speech, the more readily understood term is squint.
Easily confused with strabismal
Strabismus is the noun naming the condition in which the eyes are misaligned, while strabismal is the adjective relating to that condition.