BILATERAL STRABISMUS Meaning and
Definition
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Bilateral strabismus refers to a medical condition characterized by the misalignment of both eyes. It is a form of strabismus, which refers to any type of eye misalignment that deviates from the normal straight-ahead position of the eyes. In bilateral strabismus, both eyes are affected, causing them to not properly align and point in the same direction.
This condition occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles that control eye movement. The misalignment may be constant or intermittent and can vary in severity. It can manifest in different ways, such as the eyes turning inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia). The deviation can be large or small and may be present from birth or develop later in life.
Bilateral strabismus can have various causes, including muscle weakness or tightness, nerve abnormalities, refractive errors, or neurological conditions. It can also result from trauma or damage to the eye muscles or nerves. If left untreated, bilateral strabismus can lead to visual disturbances, reduced depth perception, and other related vision problems.
Treatment for bilateral strabismus usually involves correcting the underlying cause, such as prescribing glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors. It may also involve eye exercises, patching, or the use of prisms to realign the eyes. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to adjust the muscles or correct any structural abnormalities. Regular eye examinations are essential to monitor and manage bilateral strabismus effectively.
Etymology of BILATERAL STRABISMUS
The term "bilateral strabismus" is derived from two different sources.
1. Bilateral: The word "bilateral" originated from the Latin word "bi-" which means "two" and "lateralis" meaning "side". Therefore, "bilateral" describes something that occurs on both sides or affects both sides simultaneously.
2. Strabismus: The word "strabismus" has Greek origins. It is derived from the Greek word "strabismos" which means "to squint" or "to turn obliquely". In medicine, "strabismus" specifically refers to a condition in which the eyes are misaligned and do not work together properly, causing the individual to have binocular vision problems.
