A patient comes with recent onset paralytic squint. Which of the following statement regarding paralytic squint is true ?
**Core Concept**
Paralytic squint, also known as strabismus paralyticus, is a form of strabismus caused by paralysis of one or more extraocular muscles, leading to misalignment of the eyes. This condition can result from various causes, including cranial nerve palsies, muscle weakness, or neuropathies.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the concept of "heterophoria" and "heterotropia". A patient with paralytic squint may exhibit a latent deviation (heterophoria) when fixing with the unaffected eye, which becomes apparent when they attempt to fix with the affected eye (heterotropia). This is because the paralyzed muscle is unable to maintain proper eye alignment, leading to a deviation that is only apparent when the affected eye is used for fixation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because strabismus can be classified into different types, including non-paralytic (concomitant and incomitant) and paralytic. Paralytic strabismus is a specific type that results from muscle paralysis.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the term "squint" is often used interchangeably with strabismus, but it is not a precise medical term.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the term "heterophoria" refers to a latent deviation that is only apparent when the patient is asked to fix with the affected eye.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that paralytic squint can result from various causes, including cranial nerve palsies, muscle weakness, or neuropathies. It is essential to identify the underlying cause to provide appropriate treatment and management.
**Correct Answer:** C.