What is a Wandering Eye?

The term “wandering eye” has two distinctly different meanings that should not be confused. Fortunately, the meaning is usually clear from 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 away 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 for the patient. It may also be disconcerting for people who might interact with the patient. This condition is not the same as lazy eye, a condition in which visual information from one eye does not reach the brain.

Wandering eye is typically diagnosed during routine eye 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 eye doctor may also explore the root cause behind the problem, as the condition can sometimes be a symptom of brain and nervous system conditions that 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 this 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 a 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 is paying too much attention to other people.

In the case of infidelity, a wandering eye can be tricky 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 discontent, or they may opt to deal with the situation on their own. A person who looks at someone other than his or her partner does not necessarily have the intention to stray; some people simply have a natural appreciation for individuals they find beautiful, and they may be unable to contain it.