What is the medical term for being cross-eyed?

The medical term for being cross-eyed is strabismus. This condition occurs when the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. As a result, one eye may turn inwards, outwards, or even up or down, which affects the ability to focus on the same point. Strabismus can be caused by various factors, such as muscle imbalances, vision problems, or neurological issues, and it can lead to problems with depth perception or amblyopia (lazy eye) if not addressed.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different eye conditions. Hypertropia specifically describes a form of strabismus where one eye is higher than the other, typically when the upward gaze is affected. Myopia refers to nearsightedness, a condition where distant objects appear blurry. Astigmatism is caused by an irregular curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, leading to blurred vision at various distances. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurately identifying and discussing different visual impairments.