Exophoria is a binocular vision disorder in which the eyes have a tendency to turn outward. It is one of the most common types of binocular vision disorders, affecting an estimated 10-30% of the population (Fletcher, 2020). Exophoria typically includes symptoms such as eyestrain, headaches, double vision, and difficulty reading.
Exophoria is often caused by a misalignment of the eyes, which can be the result of either a congenital problem or an acquired misalignment due to eye injury or strain. When the eyes are misaligned, the brain is unable to fuse the two images together into one single image. As a result, the eyes will try to compensate by turning outward in an attempt to bring the two images closer together. This can lead to the symptoms of exophoria.
Treatment for exophoria typically involves the use of corrective lenses, such as prisms or contact lenses, to help align the eyes and enable the brain to properly process the images. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct any underlying misalignment of the eyes. In addition, eye exercises and vision therapy can be used to strengthen the eye muscles and help the eyes remain properly aligned.
Exophoria can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. It can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as reading, driving, and using a computer. It is important for individuals with exophoria to seek treatment to ensure their vision is corrected and to prevent any further deterioration of the condition.
In conclusion, exophoria is a common binocular vision disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to ensure the best possible visual outcome.
References
Fletcher, M. (2020). What is Exophoria? Retrieved from https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/exophoria.htm