Which term describes latent eye turning revealed when binocular viewing is disrupted?

Which term describes latent eye turning revealed when binocular viewing is disrupted?

• A. Snellen eye chart
• B. Trophic
• C. Phoric
• D. Low vision

Answer: (C)

Phoria describes a latent eye misalignment that only appears when binocular fusion is disrupted. When both eyes are used together, your brain fuses the images and keeps the eyes aligned. If fusion is interrupted—such as when one eye is covered—the eyes may drift, revealing a tendency to turn. The adjective phoric is used to describe this latent tendency. In contrast, a tropia is a constant misalignment visible even with both eyes open, while the other terms refer to acuity or non-ocular concepts (snellen chart measures visual sharpness; low vision denotes reduced functional vision; trophic relates to nourishment). The drift direction can be inward or outward, described as eso-phoria or exo-phoria.

Phoria describes a latent eye misalignment that only appears when binocular fusion is disrupted. When both eyes are used together, your brain fuses the images and keeps the eyes aligned. If fusion is interrupted—such as when one eye is covered—the eyes may drift, revealing a tendency to turn. The adjective phoric is used to describe this latent tendency. In contrast, a tropia is a constant misalignment visible even with both eyes open, while the other terms refer to acuity or non-ocular concepts (snellen chart measures visual sharpness; low vision denotes reduced functional vision; trophic relates to nourishment). The drift direction can be inward or outward, described as eso-phoria or exo-phoria.