exophoria /ek′səfôr″ē·ə/ [Gk, exo + pherein, to bear] , the latent lateral deviation of the visual axis of one eye outward. Also called divergent strabismus. Compare exotropia. −exophoric, adj. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Occurs in the absence of visual stimuli for fusion and when fatigued. When concentrating on an image, the eyes function normally, but eyestrain may cause a headache or other unpleasant symptoms, such as blurred vision and mild nausea. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Eye exercises usually help, but if the condition is severe, surgery is indicated. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: For the most part, vision is unaffected although blurred vision or double vision is not uncommon.
