What condition is characterized by the misalignment of the eyes?

Strabismus is the condition characterized by the misalignment of the eyes, where one eye may turn in, out, up, or down while the other eye remains focused on a target. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent, and it occurs because the eye muscles controlling the eye movements are not functioning in coordination. The lack of proper alignment can result in double vision or inefficient depth perception, impacting visual function.

In adults, strabismus may also lead to complications such as amblyopia, where the brain starts to ignore the visual input from the misaligned eye, potentially leading to poorer vision in that eye over time. Early detection and treatment of strabismus are crucial, especially in children, to prevent long-term visual impairments.

This condition differs from other choices listed, such as glaucoma, which is an eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure leading to damage of the optic nerve, and amblyopia, which refers to poor vision that does not correct with glasses or contact lenses, often due to a developmental issue or strabismus itself. Presbyopia, on the other hand, is a common age-related condition affecting the eye's ability to focus on close objects, not necessarily linked to misalignment.