Which condition refers to the misalignment of the eyes?

Study for the American Board of Ophthalmology Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions complete with hints and explanations. Prepare confidently for your exam today!

The condition that refers to the misalignment of the eyes is strabismus. This occurs when the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. In individuals with strabismus, one eye may look straight ahead while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment can lead to issues such as double vision or confusion for the brain when combining signals from the misaligned eyes.

Understanding strabismus is important because it can have significant implications for vision development, particularly in children. If strabismus is not treated, it can lead to amblyopia, or "lazy eye," where the brain starts to favor one eye over the other. Addressing strabismus early can prevent more complex visual problems from developing.

The other conditions listed – amblyopia, myopia, and diplopia – do not specifically refer to the misalignment of the eyes. Amblyopia refers to reduced vision in one eye, myopia pertains to nearsightedness or difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, and diplopia is the experience of seeing double. Therefore, strabismus specifically identifies the condition of misalignment, making it the correct choice.

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