Exocataphoria

/ˌɛksoʊˌkætəˈfɔriə/ noun

Definition

A medical condition where one eye is turned downward and outward relative to the other eye when both are open.

Etymology

From Greek 'exo-' (outside), 'kata-' (down), and 'phora' (carrying or turning), literally meaning 'downward and outward turning.' This ophthalmological term was coined in the 19th century as doctors classified eye movement disorders.

Kelly Says

Eye movement disorders like exocataphoria reveal how the brain orchestrates six different muscles per eye with incredible precision—when even one muscle is slightly weak, the eyes can drift apart in very specific patterns.

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