Esotropia is a medical term used to describe a type of eye condition where the eye turns inward, causing double vision. The spelling of this word is unique, as it contains two consonant clusters - "st" and "tr" - which can be challenging to articulate. The phonetic transcription for "esotropia" is /esəʊˈtrəʊpiə/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "o" in the first syllable is pronounced as a short "o" sound, while the second syllable ends with a schwa sound.
Esotropia is a medical term used to describe a specific type of eye misalignment or deviation known as a strabismus. It is characterized by the inward turn or crossing of one eye, which is typically due to an imbalance in the muscles responsible for controlling eye movement. Esotropia can affect individuals of all ages, including children and adults.
In esotropia, one eye deviates inward towards the nose, leading to a lack of coordination between the two eyes. This misalignment occurs when the eye muscles responsible for moving the eyes fail to work together properly. As a result, the brain may suppress the image from the misaligned eye, leading to decreased vision or amblyopia, also known as lazy eye.
Esotropia can occur in various forms, including early onset (infantile esotropia), accommodative esotropia, and acquired esotropia. The causes of esotropia can be diverse, such as hereditary factors, abnormal brain development, or other underlying medical conditions. It may also be associated with refractive errors like hyperopia (farsightedness) or an uncorrected prescription.
Treatment for esotropia aims to correct the eye misalignment, improve eye coordination, and promote equal visual input from both eyes. It may involve non-surgical interventions, such as corrective lenses, vision therapy, or patching the stronger eye to strengthen and encourage the weaker eye. In some cases, surgical intervention might be recommended to reposition the eye muscles, aligning the eyes properly. Regular eye examinations and early intervention are essential for managing esotropia effectively and preventing potential vision problems.
A marked esophoria; a deviation inward of one eye, internal or convergent squint.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "esotropia" is derived from Greek. It combines two Greek roots:
1. "eso" (ἔσω) meaning "inward" or "towards the inside".
2. "tropos" (τροπος) meaning "a turning" or "a direction".
Therefore, the word "esotropia" literally translates to "inward turning". In the context of medicine, it refers to a condition wherein the eyes are misaligned, and one eye turns inward towards the nose.