The term “wandering eye” has two distinctly different meanings which one would not want to confuse. Fortunately, the meaning is usually clear from context, as in one sense, a wandering eye is a medical condition, and in another it refers to a lack of fidelity. Also fortunately, both are treatable.

In the sense of a medical condition, wandering eye is a condition which causes one or both eyes to wander away when the eyes are brought to focus on something. Essentially, the condition prevents both eyes from focusing together, and depending on the severity, the condition can be quite irritating, in addition to disconcerting for people who might interact with the patient. Wandering eye, incidentally, should not be confused with lazy eye, a condition in which visual information from one eye does not reach the brain.

Wandering eye is typically diagnosed during routine opthalmologic examinations, if the doctor notices that the patient has trouble focusing both eyes on an object. It can be treated with physical therapy in the form of eye exercises, specially designed glasses, and surgery, in extreme cases. The doctor may also explore the root cause behind the wandering eye, as the condition can sometimes be a symptom of brain and nervous system conditions which warrant further investigation.

In the second sense, someone is said to have the “wandering eye” when he or she cannot stay focused on a primary partner. Typically, the wandering eye precedes acts of outright infidelity, and it can be a sign that a relationship is troubled, or that someone in a relationship is unhappy with the status quo. People may also be accused of having the wandering eye for perfectly innocent reasons; for example, a jealous partner might be angry about being neglected at a party in favor of someone else, and suggest that the other partner clearly has the wandering eye.

In the case of infidelity, the wandering eye can be tricky to treat. As a general rule, identifying the problem early is a good idea, as is a conversation about the situation and the relationship. A couple may choose to pursue therapy to talk through the issues leading to discontentment, or they may opt to deal with the situation on their own. A case of the wandering eye doesn't always reveal an intention to stray; some people simply have a natural appreciation for individuals they find beautiful, and they may be unable to contain it.