Dominant Eye and Eyeglass Prescription: Key Insights

Q: Dominant Eye and Eyeglass Prescription: Key Insights

Hello, Muquan： 1. If I prescribe glasses for you, both eyes will be corrected to the full prescription. If you want to reduce the strain of seeing up close, you might consider wearing multifocal glasses. Everyone's perspective may vary. 2. Reducing the presc

Dominant eye and eyeglass prescription?

Hello, doctor.
I previously got a pair of glasses, and the results were as follows: left eye myopia -550 diopters, right eye myopia -650 diopters, dominant eye: left eye.
I have some questions regarding the optometrist's practices during the fitting process:
1.
The optometrist suggested not fully correcting the right eye and fully correcting the left eye (dominant eye) because it would be better for my situation.
Is this statement valid, and is there a basis for it? Or would it be better to fully correct both eyes?
2.
I would like to ask what the optometrist meant by saying that reducing the prescription in both eyes can alleviate pressure.
Generally, how much reduction is considered appropriate?
3.
There is a common belief that after reaching adulthood, myopia progression slows down significantly.
Is this statement valid, or is it merely a myth?
4.
I have noticed that in recent years, my left eye (dominant eye) has not changed much in prescription, while the right eye's prescription has increased more rapidly.
Should I be concerned about this phenomenon?
5.
I sometimes find that I rely on different eyes as the primary eye (sometimes using the left eye, sometimes the right eye).
Is this a normal occurrence?
Thank you, doctor!

Mu Quan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/27

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Muquan:
1.
If I prescribe glasses for you, both eyes will be corrected to the full prescription.
If you want to reduce the strain of seeing up close, you might consider wearing multifocal glasses.
Everyone's perspective may vary.
2.
Reducing the prescription can lessen the effort needed for near vision, but it may make distant vision less clear, depending on individual tolerance.
3.
That is correct.
4.
If the increase in prescription is not significant, there is no need to worry too much.
Full prescription glasses are less likely to lead to an increase in prescription.
5.
This is related to your glasses prescription; your eyes will automatically choose the eye that sees clearly.
Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital Ophthalmology: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should visit a medical institution for treatment.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2020/10/27

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding your eyeglass prescription and the concept of dominant eye. Let's address each of your inquiries in detail.

1. Eyeglass Prescription for Dominant Eye: The suggestion from your optometrist to prescribe a full correction for your dominant eye (left eye) while under-correcting your non-dominant eye (right eye) is a common practice, especially in cases of anisometropia (where the two eyes have significantly different refractive power). The rationale behind this approach is to enhance visual comfort and reduce the risk of visual disturbances such as double vision or eye strain. By fully correcting the dominant eye, you ensure that it has the best possible vision, which can help in tasks requiring precision, such as reading or driving. The non-dominant eye may be under-corrected to balance the visual input and reduce the overall strain on your visual system. However, the decision should be personalized based on your specific visual needs and comfort.

2. Reducing Pressure with Lower Prescription: When your optometrist refers to reducing the prescription to lower pressure, they might be talking about the concept of "over-minusing" in prescriptions. Over-minusing can lead to visual discomfort, eye strain, and headaches, especially in individuals with high prescriptions. The amount to reduce can vary, but it is often a small percentage (e.g., 0.25 to 0.50 diopters) based on your comfort and visual acuity. It's essential to have a discussion with your optometrist about the specific adjustments and how they align with your visual needs.

3. Myth of Stable Myopia After Adulthood: The belief that myopia (nearsightedness) stabilizes after reaching adulthood is somewhat of a myth. While many individuals do experience a slowing or cessation of myopia progression after their teenage years, this is not universally true. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences (like prolonged near work or screen time) can continue to affect refractive changes into adulthood. Regular eye examinations are crucial to monitor any changes in your prescription.

4. Changes in Prescription Between Eyes: It is not uncommon for one eye to experience more significant changes in prescription than the other. This can be due to various factors, including differences in visual habits, eye health, or even the natural aging process. If your left eye (dominant eye) remains stable while your right eye's prescription increases, it may not be a cause for immediate concern, but it is essential to monitor this trend. Regular check-ups with your eye care professional will help ensure that any significant changes are addressed promptly.

5. Switching Dominance Between Eyes: It is normal for individuals to occasionally rely on one eye more than the other, especially in situations where visual demands change (like focusing on different distances or lighting conditions). However, if you notice a consistent shift in dominance or experience discomfort, it may be worth discussing with your eye care provider. They can assess your visual function and ensure that both eyes are working harmoniously.

In summary, your concerns about your eyeglass prescription and eye health are valid and important. It is always best to maintain open communication with your eye care professional to address any uncertainties and ensure that your visual needs are met effectively. Regular eye exams and discussions about your experiences will help you maintain optimal eye health and comfort. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns!

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