What does "strabismus" indicate in an ocular examination?

Strabismus refers to a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned with each other, leading to misalignment. This can manifest as one eye turning inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards while the other eye remains focused straight ahead. It is important in ocular examinations because it can affect binocular vision and potentially lead to amblyopia, or lazy eye, if not addressed. Proper identification of strabismus is critical for effective treatment and management, including the use of corrective lenses, vision therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition and the age of the patient.

The other options – blurred vision, increased eye pressure, and clouding of the lens – refer to different ocular conditions and do not accurately describe the nature of strabismus. While blurred vision can sometimes be associated with strabismus, it is not a direct indication of the condition itself. Increased eye pressure is more relevant to conditions like glaucoma, and clouding of the lens pertains to cataracts, neither of which relates to the alignment of the eyes.