What does strabismus mean?
Strabismus is a medical condition in which the eyes are not aligned and therefore look in different directions. The misalignment may be constant or intermittent, with one eye turning inward, outward, upward, or downward. It differs from diplopia, which is double vision, and from ordinary temporary eye divergence caused by tiredness or distraction. Strabismus can affect binocular vision and depth perception, and in children it may interfere with the development of visual pathways if it is not treated. The condition may be associated with an imbalance in the muscles that control eye movement, refractive problems, or, in some cases, neurological or genetic conditions. Treatment depends on its cause and severity and can include corrective lenses, occlusion therapy, vision exercises, medication, or surgery. The everyday term is squint, while strabismus is the more precise term used in medical and ophthalmological contexts.
nounA condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other, so that they look in different directions. Also called squint, it may occur continuously or intermittently and can affect vision, depth perception, or the development of visual skills in children.
- A condition in which the two eyes are not aligned with one another and visual axes point in different directions.
"The child was referred to an ophthalmologist after signs of strabismus were noticed during a routine check-up."
"Strabismus can sometimes be treated with glasses, patching, exercises, or surgery."
"She had intermittent strabismus that became more noticeable when she was tired."
In general and medical usage, strabismus is normally treated as an uncountable noun; plural forms occur chiefly in scholarly writing.
"The clinic specialises in the assessment and treatment of strabismus in children."
The word strabismus comes from a Greek root associated with looking sideways or squinting, making its medical name a refined descendant of an everyday visual experience.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strabismus come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek strabismos, a term associated with strabizein, “to squint” or “look askance.” Its deeper root is related to Greek strabos, describing a squinting or distorted gaze. The medical sense developed from this older vocabulary for unusual eye movements and became established in modern ophthalmology.
Related word forms
How strabismus is actually used
Strabismus is the standard medical term for an ocular alignment disorder. In everyday English, especially in British usage, squint is more common; in American English, the expression crossed eyes is also used, though it may describe a momentary appearance rather than a diagnosed condition.
Easily confused with strabismus
Squint is the everyday term for strabismus, but it can also mean looking sideways or narrowing the eyes to see more clearly.
Diplopia is double vision, whereas strabismus is the misalignment of the eyes themselves.