What does Esophoria refer to?

Esophoria is a condition characterized by a tendency for one or both eyes to turn inward. This inward movement is not constant but shows up under certain conditions, particularly when the individual is relaxed or focusing on a near object. This condition indicates a misalignment of the eyes that can lead to symptoms like eye strain or double vision, especially during prolonged periods of close work. Understanding Esophoria is essential for providing appropriate eye care and corrective measures, such as vision therapy or prism glasses, to alleviate discomfort and improve visual function. Recognizing that it is a tendency rather than a definite and constant deviation helps differentiate it from other conditions, such as esotropia, where the eye position is permanently turned inward.