Exophoria

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Exophoria is a form of heterophoria in which there is a tendency for the eyes to deviate outward. This condition is only noticeable when the person is tired or has done a lot of reading or close work. It is a common condition that is often detected during a routine eye examination.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Exophoria is caused by an imbalance in the eye muscles. This can occur if the muscles that control the movement of the eyes are not working together properly. This can be due to a number of factors, including:

  • Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing exophoria.
  • Eye strain: Excessive reading or close work can cause the eyes to become tired, leading to exophoria.
  • Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that control the eye muscles can lead to exophoria.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of exophoria can vary from person to person. Some people may not experience any symptoms, while others may experience:

  • Double vision: This is when you see two images of a single object.
  • Blurred vision: This is when objects appear fuzzy or unclear.
  • Eye strain: This can cause discomfort or fatigue in the eyes.
  • Headaches: These can occur after prolonged periods of reading or close work.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment for exophoria depends on the severity of the condition. Some people may not require any treatment, while others may need:

  • Eye exercises: These can help to strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination.
  • Glasses or contact lenses: These can help to correct any refractive errors that may be contributing to the exophoria.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the eye muscles.

See also[edit | edit source]

Exophoria Resources
Wikipedia
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD