What are Esophoria and Exophoria?
Esophoria and Exophoria are two conditions related to the alignment of the eyes. They are both forms of binocular vision dysfunction, which means that the eyes are not able to work together properly.
Esophoria is a condition where the eyes turn inward, towards the nose. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including muscle weakness, poor visual habits, or a problem with the brain’s ability to control eye movement. In some cases, esophoria is a symptom of a larger problem, such as a neurological disorder or a brain injury. Esophoria usually occurs due to over stimulation of the focusing lens during close vision tasks
Exophoria, on the other hand, is a condition where the eyes turn outward, away from the nose. This can also be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle weakness, poor visual habits, or a problem with the brain’s ability to control eye movement. In some cases, exophoria is a symptom of a larger problem, such as a neurological disorder or a brain injury.
Both Esophoria and Exophoria can cause a number of symptoms, including eye strain, headaches, double vision, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms can be particularly pronounced when reading or doing other close-up work, and can make it difficult for people to function in their daily lives.
Treatment Possibilities
Treatment for Esophoria and Exophoria depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, simply correcting poor visual habits or addressing muscle weakness may be enough to improve symptoms. In other cases, more advanced treatment may be necessary.
One common treatment for Esophoria and Exophoria is vision therapy. This is a form of treatment that uses a series of exercises to help the brain learn to control eye movement properly. Vision therapy can be done in an office setting or at home, and can be customized to address the specific needs of each individual.
Another treatment option for Esophoria and Exophoria is the use of glasses or contacts. These can be used to correct any vision problems that may be contributing to the condition. In some cases, glasses or contacts may be used in combination with vision therapy to provide the best results.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem. This can include procedures to strengthen or repair the muscles that control eye movement, or to address any underlying neurological disorders or brain injuries.
It’s important to note that Esophoria and Exophoria are not diseases, but rather symptoms of a larger problem. Therefore, a proper diagnosis is important in order to determine the underlying cause and the best treatment options.
Since the necessary treatments for Esophoria and Exophoria can vary, it is important to talk to your eyecare professional regarding the best way to move forward.
