Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) Practice Test

A tropia is defined as a permanent eye misalignment. In clinical terms, this condition refers to a deviation of one eye from its normal position in relation to the other eye when both eyes are open and looking at an object. This means that when an individual has a tropia, one eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward consistently, while the other eye is directed toward the object of regard.

Understanding tropia is critical in diagnosing and managing various vision conditions. It differs from other forms of eye misalignment, such as phoria, which are characterized by temporary or intermittent misalignments that are only evident under certain conditions, like during cover testing. In contrast, tropias are a stable condition that requires clinical assessment and potential treatment, which may include corrective lenses, prism therapy, or surgical intervention. The permanence of this misalignment can lead to amblyopia if not addressed, especially in children, highlighting the importance of recognizing and treating tropias promptly.