Cyclophoria

Cyclophoria

Cyclophoria is a type of heterophoria, which is a latent deviation of the eyes that is kept in check by the binocular vision system. In cyclophoria, there is a tendency for one or both eyes to rotate around the anteroposterior axis, which can lead to visual discomfort or disturbances if the compensatory mechanisms fail.

Pathophysiology

Cyclophoria occurs when there is an imbalance in the extraocular muscles responsible for the torsional alignment of the eyes. The superior oblique muscle and the inferior oblique muscle are primarily responsible for the intorsion and extorsion of the eye, respectively. When these muscles do not function properly, it can result in a latent torsional misalignment.

Symptoms

Individuals with cyclophoria may experience symptoms such as:

• Asthenopia (eye strain)
• Headaches
• Difficulty with reading or other near tasks
• Diplopia (double vision) in certain positions of gaze
• Visual discomfort

Diagnosis

Cyclophoria is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Tests that may be used include:

• Cover test: To detect latent deviations
• Maddox rod test: To assess torsional alignment
• Synoptophore: To measure the degree of cyclophoria

Management

Management of cyclophoria may involve:

• Prism glasses: To help align the visual axes
• Vision therapy: To improve binocular coordination
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered to correct the muscle imbalance

Also see

• Heterophoria
• Strabismus
• Binocular vision
• Asthenopia