Medical Term for Crossed Eyes
The medical term for crossed eyes is "esotropia." 1
Definition and Classification
Esotropia is a convergent misalignment of the visual axes where one or both eyes turn inward. 1 This is the specific term used in ophthalmology to describe what is commonly referred to as "crossed eyes" in lay terminology.
Related Terminology
- Strabismus is the broader medical term describing any binocular misalignment, of which esotropia is the most common inward-turning type 1, 2
- Exotropia refers to outward deviation of the eyes (the opposite of crossed eyes) 1
- Strabismus results in failure of the two eyes to simultaneously focus on the same image and loss of binocular vision 2
Types of Esotropia
Esotropia can be categorized based on age of onset and underlying causes: 1
- Infantile esotropia: presents before 6 months of age 1
- Acquired esotropia: typically develops after 6 months, usually between ages 1-4 years 1
- Accommodative esotropia: associated with hyperopia (farsightedness) 1
- Nonaccommodative esotropia: equal deviation at distance and near with no significant refractive error 1
- Sensory esotropia: associated with unilateral or bilateral vision loss 1
Important Clinical Note
Pseudoesotropia is not true strabismus but rather an appearance of crossed eyes caused by certain facial features (such as prominent epicanthal folds) or a disparity between the visual and pupillary axes (negative angle kappa). 1 This is a critical distinction, as pseudoesotropia requires no treatment while true esotropia does.