Is Your Left Eye's Vision Deteriorating? Symptoms and Treatment

Suspected vision deterioration in the left eye?

I usually use my right eye, which is nearsighted with a prescription of -2.75 diopters.
My left eye was examined and found to be farsighted with a prescription of +2.25 diopters.
Following my doctor's recommendation, I was prescribed glasses with +3.00 diopter lenses for my left eye, which has no prescription lenses.
Since I predominantly use my right eye, I have been primarily relying on it for vision.
After wearing the glasses for several months, I have noticeably struggled to see things on my left side.
Previously, my left eye could see some things that my right eye could not, but after correcting my right eye, I have become increasingly reliant on it.
I have been wearing the glasses for about five months.
Recently, I stopped wearing the glasses and covered my right eye to look at things with my left eye.
I discovered that both near and far vision is blurry, and I need to concentrate hard to see clearly, which leads to noticeable fatigue and a return to blurry vision.
Could this indicate a deterioration of vision in my left eye? What treatment options are available?

Shen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/23

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

You can test binocular vision (seeing with both eyes simultaneously) to see if there is a significant difference; if so, you might consider alternative methods of correction.

Reply Date: 2016/04/23

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant changes in your left eye's vision, which can be concerning. Based on your description, it appears that you have been primarily using your right eye for vision, which may have contributed to the deterioration of your left eye's function. This is not uncommon, especially in individuals who have a dominant eye and rely on it for most visual tasks.

From a medical perspective, several factors could be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing. First, the fact that you have a prescription for your left eye indicates that there is a refractive error (in your case, hyperopia or farsightedness) that needs to be corrected. If you have been wearing glasses with a prescription for your right eye but not for your left eye, this could lead to further deterioration in the left eye's vision due to underutilization. The brain tends to favor the dominant eye, which can lead to a lack of stimulation in the non-dominant eye, potentially resulting in amblyopia (lazy eye) or other visual deficits.

Your symptoms of blurred vision, fatigue, and the need to concentrate to see clearly with your left eye suggest that there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. It is essential to consider the following steps:
1. Comprehensive Eye Examination: Schedule a thorough eye examination with an ophthalmologist or optometrist. They will assess not only your refractive error but also the overall health of your eyes, including checking for any signs of amblyopia, cataracts, or other ocular conditions that could be affecting your vision.

2. Update Your Prescription: If your left eye is indeed experiencing deterioration, it may be necessary to update your glasses prescription to ensure that both eyes are being adequately corrected. Wearing glasses that correct your left eye's vision can help improve its function and reduce strain.

3. Vision Therapy: Depending on the findings of your eye examination, your eye care professional may recommend vision therapy. This is a structured program of visual activities designed to improve coordination and focus between the two eyes. It can be particularly beneficial if there is a significant disparity in visual acuity between your eyes.

4. Regular Monitoring: Given your history of using your right eye predominantly, it is crucial to monitor your left eye's vision regularly. Follow-up appointments with your eye care provider will help track any changes and ensure that appropriate interventions are made in a timely manner.

5. Eye Health Education: Educate yourself about the importance of using both eyes equally. Engaging in activities that require the use of your left eye, such as reading or playing sports, can help stimulate its function and improve overall visual acuity.

In conclusion, while it is possible that your left eye's vision is deteriorating, a comprehensive evaluation by an eye care professional is necessary to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment. By addressing the issue early and following the recommended steps, you can work towards improving your left eye's vision and overall eye health. Remember, maintaining regular eye check-ups is vital for preserving your vision and preventing further deterioration.

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