What term describes the condition where the eyes turn in opposite directions?

The term that describes the condition where the eyes turn in opposite directions is heterotropia. Heterotropia refers to a misalignment of the eyes, where each eye may point in different directions. This can manifest as one eye looking straight ahead while the other looks inward, outward, upward, or downward.

Heterotropia encompasses a range of conditions where the visual axes of the eyes do not converge on the same point, which is fundamental for binocular vision and depth perception. It is distinct from similar terms that describe specific types of misalignment, such as esotropia (where one eye turns inward) and strabismus (which is a more general term that can refer to any misalignment of the eyes).

Understanding heterotropia is crucial for recognizing and addressing issues related to binocular vision development and alignment, which can impact vision and quality of life significantly.