Convergent squint, also known as esotropia, is a medical condition that affects the eyes. Its spelling is explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as kənˈvɜːrdʒənt skwɪnt. The first part of the word, convergent, is pronounced with stress on the third syllable, and with the "e" in "con-" sounding like a schwa. The second part, squint, is pronounced as "skwint" with stress on the first syllable. Knowing the proper spelling and pronunciation of medical terms can help improve communication and understanding between health professionals and patients.
Convergent squint, also known as esotropia or cross-eyed, is a medical condition characterized by an inward misalignment of the eyes. It is a form of strabismus, in which the eyes are not properly aligned and do not work together to focus on the same point. In convergent squint, one eye turns inward towards the nose while the other remains straight or deviates slightly outward.
This condition can occur due to various factors, including a muscular imbalance, nerve abnormalities, refractive errors, or a combination of these factors. It is more commonly seen in infants and young children, although it can also develop in adults.
People with convergent squint may experience symptoms such as double vision, eye strain, difficulty in focusing or depth perception, and reduced visual acuity in the misaligned eye. If left untreated, it can lead to amblyopia or lazy eye, as the brain may suppress the input from the misaligned eye to avoid double vision.
Treatment options for convergent squint depend on the severity of the condition and the age of the individual. They can include wearing corrective glasses, using eye patches to strengthen the weaker eye, vision therapy, or surgical intervention to align the eyes.
Regular eye examinations and early detection of convergent squint are crucial for appropriate treatment and preventing potential complications that may affect visual development and overall quality of life.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "convergent squint" is a medical term referring to a condition commonly known as "crossed eyes" or "esotropia". The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Convergent: The word "convergent" comes from the Latin word "convergere", which means "to incline together" or "to come together". In this context, it refers to the inward turning of the eyes toward each other.
2. Squint: The word "squint" is derived from the Old English word "s(c)wintan", which means "to squint" or "to look obliquely". It generally refers to the misalignment or lack of coordination in the eyes.
So, "convergent squint" combines these elements to describe the condition where a person's eyes turn inward, causing a lack of parallel alignment.