“Wandering eye” can refer to a medical condition where the eyes drift apart, or to a lack of fidelity in a relationship. The medical condition can be treated with physical therapy, eyewear, or surgery, while infidelity may require therapy or a conversation about the relationship.
The term “wandering eye” has two distinctly different meanings that should not be confused. Fortunately, the meaning is usually clear from the context, as in one sense it refers to a medical condition and in another it refers to a lack of fidelity. Both are usually treatable.
In the sense of a medical condition, wandering eye is a condition that causes the focus of one or both eyes to drift apart when a person is looking at something. Essentially, the condition prevents both eyes from focusing together, and depending on the severity of the condition, it can be quite irritating to the patient. It can also be disconcerting to people who may be interacting with the patient. This condition is not the same as lazy eye, a condition in which visual information from one eye doesn’t reach the brain.
Wandering eye is typically diagnosed during routine eye exams, if the doctor notices that the patient is having difficulty focusing both eyes on an object. It can be treated with physical therapy in the form of eye exercises, specially designed eyewear, and surgery, in extreme cases. Your eye doctor may also explore the root cause of the problem, as sometimes the condition can be a symptom of brain and nervous system conditions that require further investigation.
In the second sense, someone is said to have “wandering eye” when they cannot stay focused on a primary partner. Typically, this precedes acts of outright infidelity and can be a sign that a relationship is troubled or that someone in a relationship is unhappy with the status quo. People can also be accused of having a wandering eye for perfectly innocent reasons; for example, a jealous partner might be upset about being overlooked at a favor party for someone else and suggest that the other partner is paying too much attention to other people.
In cases of infidelity, a wandering eye can be difficult to treat. As a general rule, identifying the problem early is a good thing, as is a conversation about the situation and the relationship. A couple may choose to pursue therapy to talk through the issues that may be leading to the discontent, or they may choose to address the situation on their own. A person who looks at someone other than their partner does not necessarily have the intention of walking away; some people simply have a natural appreciation for individuals they find beautiful and may not be able to contain it.
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