What term is used to describe the misalignment of the eyes?

The term that describes the misalignment of the eyes is strabismus. This condition can manifest in various forms, where one eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards, while the other eye remains straight. This misalignment can result in issues with depth perception and may lead to amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye," if not addressed. Strabismus is a broader term that encompasses all types of eye misalignment, making it the most accurate choice in this context.

Exotropia and esotropia are specific types of strabismus; exotropia refers to an outward turning of the eye, while esotropia involves an inward turning. Although these terms describe specific conditions of strabismus, they do not encompass its entirety. Diplopia, on the other hand, refers to double vision, which can occur due to strabismus or other conditions, but it does not specifically indicate misalignment itself. Thus, strabismus is the most appropriate term to describe the general phenomenon of misaligned eyes.