A divergent eye, also known as exotropia, is a type of strabismus (squint) where one eye turns outwards, away from the nose, and does not work in coordination with the other eye.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
-
Strabismus Definition: Strabismus, or squint, is a condition where the eyes are misaligned. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent.
-
Exotropia: Outward Deviation: Exotropia is a specific type of strabismus characterized by an outward turning of one eye. This contrasts with esotropia, where the eye turns inward.
-
How it Works (or Doesn't): In a person with normal vision, both eyes focus on the same point. The brain then combines the two images into a single, three-dimensional image. In exotropia, because one eye is turned outwards, the brain may suppress the image from that eye to avoid double vision. This can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if left untreated.
-
Types of Exotropia: Exotropia can be:
- Intermittent: The eye turns outwards only some of the time, such as when a person is tired, ill, or daydreaming.
- Constant: The eye is always turned outwards.
-
Causes: The causes of exotropia are complex and can vary. Possible causes include:
- Muscle weakness in the eye
- Nerve problems
- Refractive errors (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism)
- Brain problems (less common)
- Family history
-
Symptoms: Besides the obvious outward turning of the eye, symptoms can include:
- Double vision
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Difficulty with depth perception
- Closing one eye in bright light
-
Treatment: Treatment options for exotropia include:
- Eyeglasses to correct refractive errors
- Eye patching to strengthen the weaker eye
- Eye exercises to improve eye coordination
- Surgery to realign the eye muscles
In summary, a divergent eye (exotropia) is a condition where one eye drifts outward, leading to potential vision problems if not addressed. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term complications.
