What is the term for a tendency of the visual axis to deviate inward when the eyes are at rest?

The term that describes the tendency of the visual axis to deviate inward when the eyes are at rest is esophoria. This condition reflects a latent (not overt) form of strabismus, where one eye tends to drift inward relative to the other when the person is not actively using their eye muscles to align their gaze.

In essence, individuals with esophoria may not exhibit misalignment under normal conditions, but when they are relaxed or not focusing on any particular point, one eye will naturally move inward. This can result in symptoms like eye strain and visual discomfort, particularly during tasks that require prolonged use of the eyes such as reading.

Understanding esophoria is crucial as it can inform treatment approaches in clinical settings, helping practitioners recognize and address underlying visual issues that may affect a patient's comfort and visual performance. It's important for patients and healthcare providers to be aware of such conditions to ensure appropriate intervention and management strategies.