exotropia
C2Technical, medical
Definition
Meaning
A form of strabismus (eye misalignment) where one or both eyes turn outward, away from the nose.
The condition of divergent squint; wall-eye. In broader figurative or conceptual use, it can metaphorically describe a divergence of viewpoints, focus, or interests.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a medical/ophthalmological term. It names a specific diagnosis, not a symptom. It is a hyponym (specific type) of 'strabismus'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. The condition itself is identically defined in both medical communities.
Connotations
Purely clinical in both varieties. No additional cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both regions, confined to medical/ophthalmological contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The patient has [exotropia].The [exotropia] was corrected surgically.[Exotropia] is a type of [strabismus].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and optometry textbooks, research papers, and lectures on ophthalmology.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson would say 'a turned-out eye' or 'a squint'.
Technical
The primary context. Used in clinical diagnoses, patient notes, surgical plans, and specialist discussions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The exotropic eye was more pronounced when she was tired.
- They noted an exotropic deviation on cover test.
American English
- The exotropic eye was more noticeable when he was fatigued.
- The cover test revealed an exotropic shift.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child's eye sometimes turns outward; the doctor called it exotropia.
- Intermittent exotropia often becomes more noticeable when the patient is daydreaming or looking into the distance.
- The surgical correction of the large-angle exotropia was successful, resulting in binocular single vision.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EXit' + 'tropia' (turning). The eye turns OUT, like exiting towards the side.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVERGENCE IS OUTWARD TURNING (e.g., 'Their political views showed a kind of intellectual exotropia').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'экзотропия' (a direct transliteration, correct) and 'косоглазие' (general term for strabismus). 'Расходящееся косоглазие' is the precise translation.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'exotropy' or 'exathropia'. Incorrectly using it as a verb (e.g., 'His eyes exotropia'). Confusing it with 'exophoria' (a latent tendency, not a manifest turn).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of exotropia?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the opposite. 'Cross-eyed' typically refers to esotropia (eyes turning inward). Exotropia is an outward turn.
Yes, treatment options include vision therapy (exercises), prism glasses, or, in more pronounced cases, strabismus surgery to adjust the eye muscles.
It can occur in adults, either as a condition persisting from childhood or, less commonly, acquired due to neurological issues, trauma, or thyroid eye disease.
Exotropia is a manifest, constant or intermittent, misalignment where the eye drifts outward. Exophoria is a latent tendency for the eye to drift outward only when binocular vision is disrupted (e.g., when one eye is covered).