Exophoria corresponds to a pathology characterized by a deviation of the eyeballs. This alteration occurs in the context of a dissociated vision between the two eyes. The point on the causes, symptoms and treatments.
Definition: what is exophoria?
Exophoria is a eye pathology. Technically, the eyeballs show a divergent deviation (ex: while the right eye fixes a point, the left turns outward). It is a very common disorder, manifesting itself mainly in case of visual fatigue. Various muscle and nerve damage, often benign, can cause it. Exophoria does not necessarily cause symptoms but can sometimes trigger migraines, eye pain, or double vision. Of the orthoptic rehabilitation exercises can correct the exophoria. This type of disorder is relatively common among young children.
Exophoria from afar or near: what are the differences?
The exophoria corresponds to a outward deviation in distance vision and lack of convergence in the presence of an exophoria in near vision.
“Exophoria is sometimes associated with a burning sensation in the eye”
What is the cause of an exophoria?
Exophoria can be caused by a excess of divergence, a deficit of convergence or even a refractive error. Damage of nervous, congenital or muscular origin can cause these different factors. This divergent deviation generally does not appear when the individual is at rest but only under particular conditions. “The exophoria is mainly due fatigue of the six eye muscles which serve the mobility of the eye and allow intermittent deviation of one or both eyes. Exophoria can also be decompensated by uncorrected or poorly corrected refractive error of each eye“, specifies Dr. Pierre Quéromès.
What are the symptoms of an exophoria?
Exophoria manifests itself mainly by visual fatigue, itchy eyes and redness, especially at the end of the day. The feeling of having double vision and not clear is also present. “It is sometimes associated with a eye burning sensation and feelings of dizziness or headache, especially with the accumulation of fatigue at the end of the day“, adds the specialist.
What is the treatment for an exophoria?
First, it is necessary to perform checkup with the ophthalmologist to check the eyes, including refraction. “Additional examinations including a glimpse can be performed using specific drops to block accommodation. Follows the prescription of eyeglasses to correct a refractive error if necessary then, if the symptoms are still present, orthoptic rehabilitation exercises can be indicated“, details the eye surgeon.
Thanks to Dr. Pierre Quéromès, ophthalmic surgeon specializing in retinal diseases. He practices at the Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital Center and at the OPH78.