What is the medical term for the inward turning of the eye?

The inward turning of the eye is referred to as esotropia. This condition occurs when one or both eyes turn inward deviating toward the nose, which can lead to misalignment and various visual impairments. Esotropia is a type of strabismus, which is a general term for any misalignment of the eyes where they do not properly coordinate to focus on the same point. The specific nature of esotropia differentiates it from other types of strabismus.

Understanding esotropia is essential in clinical practice, particularly in pediatrics and ophthalmology, because early detection and treatment can help prevent long-term complications such as amblyopia, or "lazy eye," where vision in one eye may become limited as a result of the misalignment.

The other terms listed refer to different types of eye misalignment. For example, exotropia describes an outward turning of one or both eyes, while hypertropia refers to a vertical misalignment where one eye is higher than the other. Each of these conditions presents distinct visual challenges and requires its own assessment and management strategies.