Strabismus, pronounced as /strəˈbɪzməs/, is a medical condition characterized by the inability of both eyes to focus on a single object at the same time. The term is derived from the Greek word "strabismós," meaning "squinting." The spelling of the word entails a silent letter "a," which is not pronounced as "strabis-mus" but as "strə-biz-məs." The IPA phonetic transcription of the term helps in understanding the correct pronunciation and spelling to ensure precise communication in medical settings.
Strabismus is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal alignment of the eyes. Also known as squint or lazy eye, it is a deviation from the normal position of the eyes, preventing them from simultaneously focusing on the same point in space. In individuals with strabismus, one eye might turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other eye remains in its normal position.
This eye misalignment occurs due to a lack of coordination between the muscles responsible for controlling eye movements. The condition can be constant or intermittent, occurring in one or both eyes, and may manifest differently depending on the direction of deviation. Strabismus can occur at any age, but it is particularly common among infants and young children.
Strabismus can result in vision problems, such as double vision or poor depth perception. If left untreated, it can lead to amblyopia, a condition in which the brain ignores input from the misaligned eye, causing irreversible visual impairment. Treatment options for strabismus include wearing corrective lenses, patching the stronger eye to strengthen the weaker eye, and eye muscle surgery to realign the eyes. Early detection and intervention are crucial in order to minimize potential vision loss and improve the individual's quality of life.
Heterotropia, squint; a constant lack of parallelism of the visual axes of the eyes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In med., squinting; a defect of vision in which both eyes cannot be directed to the same object.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "strabismus" traces its etymology back to Ancient Greek. It is derived from two Greek terms: "strabos" meaning "squinting" or "twisting", and "ismos" which indicates a condition or state of being. Combining these terms, "strabismos" refers to the condition of having a squint or crossed eyes.