Exodeviation is a medical term used to describe an outward deviation of the eye. It is pronounced as /ˌɛksəʊdiːviːˈeɪʃən/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), where "ex-" is pronounced as /ɛks/, "o" as /əʊ/, "deviation" as /diːviˈeɪʃən/. The spelling of exodeviation follows the rule for prefix "exo-", which means "outside or external", and the suffix "-deviation" which means "to turn away from a straight line or course". Therefore, exodeviation means "a turning or deviation of the eye outward from the straight line of vision".
Exodeviation, also known as exotropia, is a medical term used to describe a type of strabismus or eye misalignment in which one eye turns outward or away from the other eye. It is characterized by the deviation of the eye towards the temple or away from the nose. Exodeviation can manifest in varying degrees, ranging from mild to severe.
This condition is often caused by a weakness in the muscles that control the movement of the eyes, leading to an imbalance in the muscular forces between the two eyes. It can also be a result of anatomical abnormalities or conditions such as nerve damage or certain types of paralysis.
Exodeviation can have several implications on a person's vision and overall visual perception. It may affect the individual's ability to focus on nearby objects, and it can cause double vision or diplopia. Additionally, exodeviation can lead to a decreased depth perception, making it challenging to accurately perceive the distance or location of objects.
Treatment for exodeviation typically depends on the severity of the condition and the age of the individual. Options for managing exodeviation may include the use of corrective glasses or contact lenses, vision therapy exercises to strengthen the eye muscles, or surgical interventions to correct the eye alignment. The goal of treatment is to achieve proper alignment of the eyes, improve binocular vision, and enhance visual function. Early intervention is crucial in order to prevent further vision problems and to optimize the individual's visual abilities.
The word exodeviation is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
The prefix exo- in Latin means outward or external. It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate something that is outside or moving away from a central position.
The term deviation comes from the Latin word deviare, which means to turn aside or to wander. In medical terminology, it refers to the abnormal departure or deviation from the normal position or alignment of a body part.
Therefore, exodeviation is a combination of these roots, referring specifically to the outward deviation or turning aside of the eyes. It is a medical term used to describe a condition where one or both eyes turn outward or away from the nose, also known as wall-eyed or divergent strabismus.