What term describes the eye's tendency to turn from its normal position?

The term that describes the eye's tendency to turn from its normal position is termed as "phoria." This refers specifically to a latent deviation that may be present when both eyes are open, but usually remains hidden due to the brain's ability to fuse the images from both eyes. When one eye is covered, the latent deviation may become apparent, indicating a phoria.

The other terms listed have distinct meanings. Tropia refers to a manifest strabismus, where one eye is consistently misaligned compared to the other. Strabismus is a broader term that encompasses any misalignment of the eyes, including both tropias and phorias. Amblyopia refers to a condition where one eye does not achieve normal visual acuity, often due to improper visual development, which can sometimes be associated with strabismus or significant refractive errors. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for diagnosing and managing vision issues effectively.