How does uncorrected myopia affect a near phoria?

Uncorrected myopia influences a near phoria by causing individuals to experience greater exophoria or less esophoria. Near phoria refers to the alignment of the eyes under binocular viewing conditions at near distances. In individuals with uncorrected myopia, objects up close may appear clearer than those at a distance, leading to a tendency for the eyes to diverge more (exophoria) when focusing on near targets.

This phenomenon occurs because myopic individuals often adapt their visual system to bring near objects into clearer focus, potentially causing them to unconsciously alter their eye alignment. As a result, this adaptation can result in an exo deviation when the eyes are required to diverge to maintain single vision at near.

In contrast, conditions such as hyperopia or a normal refractive state might not lead to the same degree of deviation, as the visual system is typically functioning without the same accommodations required by individuals with uncorrected myopia. Therefore, the correct understanding of how uncorrected myopia affects near phoria is critical for optimal diagnosis and management of patients presenting with visual complaints.