Hypoexophoria is a medical term used to describe a visual condition where a person's eyes have difficulty converging when looking at close objects. The word hypoexophoria is spelled as follows: /haɪpəʊɛksoʊ'fɔːrɪə/. The "hypo-" prefix means "under" or "less than," while "exo-" refers to an outward deviation of the eye. The suffix "-phoria" means "tendency," indicating that this condition is a tendency for the eyes to diverge when focusing on a nearby object. Proper spelling is crucial for medical professionals to communicate accurately and effectively with one another.
Hypoexophoria is a term used in optometry and ophthalmology to describe a condition where there is a reduced tendency for the eyes to turn outward, away from each other. It is a form of heterophoria, which refers to an alignment issue in which the eyes do not properly coordinate when fixating on an object.
In hypoexophoria, the extraocular muscles responsible for moving the eyes outwards are not as active, causing the eyes to converge or turn inwards more easily. This can lead to symptoms such as eyestrain, headaches, double vision, and difficulty in maintaining clear vision for extended periods, especially during near work or activities that require sustained focus.
The condition can be either constant or intermittent, and it may be more pronounced when the individual is fatigued or performing visually demanding tasks. Hypoexophoria can occur unilaterally, affecting one eye more than the other, or bilaterally, involving both eyes equally.
Optometrists and ophthalmologists can diagnose hypoexophoria through various tests, including the cover test, prism cover test, or measurement of the near point of convergence. Treatment options may include vision therapy exercises, prism lenses, or other corrective interventions tailored to the individual's specific needs.
It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms of hypoexophoria to undergo a comprehensive eye examination to accurately diagnose and manage the condition, as untreated hypoexophoria may lead to discomfort and visual disturbances that can impact daily life activities.
Combined outward and downward deviation of the eyeball.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hypoexophoria" is a medical term used to describe an eye condition in which one eye is slightly turned inward or convergent. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. "Hypo-" (prefix): Derived from the Greek word "hypo" (ὑπο), meaning "under" or "less than". In medical terminology, "hypo-" often signifies a deficiency or below-normal condition.
2. "Exo-" (prefix): Derived from the Greek word "exo" (ἔξω), meaning "outside". In the context of eye conditions, "exo-" refers to the outward or divergent positioning of the eye.
3. "-phoria" (suffix): Derived from the Greek word "phoreia" (φορεία), meaning "carrying" or "movement".