What term describes a definite turning outward of the eye?

The term that describes a definite turning outward of the eye is exotropia. This condition occurs when one or both eyes deviate outward, away from the nose, instead of focusing straight ahead. Exotropia can be a constant or intermittent issue and is often noticeable when a person is focusing on a near object, leading to misalignment and potentially affecting binocular vision.

Understanding this term is crucial in the field of optometry and ophthalmology, as it helps identify and manage various strabismus conditions that may affect visual development and comfort. It's also significant in determining the appropriate therapeutic or surgical interventions needed to correct the eye alignment, thus improving the individual’s visual experience.

In contrast, the other terms describe different conditions: esotropia refers to the inward turning of the eye; hyperphoria relates to a condition in which one eye is positioned higher than the other; and phoria indicates a tendency for misalignment of the eyes that occurs under specific conditions, but does not refer to a constant or definitive outward turning like exotropia does.