HYPOPHORIA Meaning and
Definition
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Hypophoria is a term used in ophthalmology and optometry to describe a specific misalignment or imbalance in the positioning of the eyes. It refers to a condition where one eye deviates or drifts slightly downward in relation to the other in the primary position of gaze. This vertical misalignment can occur either at distance or near fixation.
Hypophoria typically results from an imbalance in the extraocular muscles responsible for eye coordination and movement. These muscles control the upward and downward movements of the eyes, allowing them to work together to maintain binocular vision. However, when there is a disparity or weakness in the muscles responsible for the vertical positioning of the eyes, hypophoria can arise.
The clinical manifestation of hypophoria varies among individuals, with symptoms ranging from subtle to more pronounced. Common signs may include eye strain, asthenopic symptoms, ocular discomfort, headache, or double vision. Hypophoria is often detected during an eye examination when specific tests, such as a cover test or Maddox rod test, are performed by an eye care professional to evaluate eye alignment and binocular function.
The treatment for hypophoria aims to improve eye coordination and reduce symptoms. This can be achieved through non-invasive methods such as corrective lenses or prisms, which help adjust the visual field and alignment. In some cases, vision therapy exercises may be recommended to strengthen the affected eye muscles and improve eye teaming. The appropriate treatment approach may vary based on the severity of the hypophoria and the individual's specific needs.
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A tendency of the visual axis of one eye to sink below that of its normal fellow.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOPHORIA
- gypophoria
- bypophoria
- nypophoria
- jypophoria
- uypophoria
- yypophoria
- htpophoria
- hgpophoria
- hhpophoria
- hupophoria
- h7pophoria
- h6pophoria
- hyoophoria
- hylophoria
- hy-ophoria
- hy0ophoria
- hypiphoria
- hypkphoria
- hyplphoria
- hyppphoria
Etymology of HYPOPHORIA
The word "hypophoria" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots:
1. "Hypo" - This prefix means "under" or "below" in Greek.
2. "Phora" - This root comes from the Greek word "phoros", which means "bearing" or "carrying".
Therefore, "hypophoria" can be understood as "bearing below" or "carrying under". In the context of ophthalmology, hypophoria refers to a condition where there is a deviation or misalignment of the eyes when one eye tends to be positioned lower than the other.
