Cover test

System: General & Eye–Ear Signs · All general & eye–ear signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Covering one eye while the patient looks at a target makes a misaligned eye move to take up fixation when uncovered or when the cover switches, revealing a squint.

What a positive finding suggests

Used to detect manifest and latent strabismus in children and adults.

Browse the C section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.