Which condition describes an inward turning of the eye?

The condition that describes an inward turning of the eye is esophoria. This condition occurs when the eyes tend to deviate inward when the individual is not focusing on a target. Esophoria is typically a latent form of strabismus, meaning the misalignment is present only under certain conditions, often when both eyes are not actively engaging with a stimulus.

In esophoria, the eyes have a tendency to cross or turn inward, particularly when focusing on near objects. This inward movement is an important aspect to understand since it affects binocular vision and depth perception. Individuals with esophoria might not always show obvious signs of the condition unless they are tested in specific scenarios.

Other options represent different conditions: exophoria involves an outward turning of the eyes; tropia is the term used for a constant misalignment of the eyes (which can be inward or outward); whereas amblyopia refers to a condition often known as "lazy eye," where one eye does not develop proper vision. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for identifying and addressing various ocular conditions effectively.