Vision Discrepancies: Left Eye Dominance and Right Eye Weakness - Ophthalmology

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I have a disparity in my vision between my two eyes; one eye seems to have unclear vision?


I previously went to get glasses because I have a significant difference in vision between my eyes, with my left eye being -18 diopters and my right eye being 0 diopters.
During the eye exam, the optometrist mentioned that when I wear glasses, I tend to rely solely on my left eye for seeing, while my right eye is not being used at all.
After he pointed this out, I realized that I had noticed this pattern before when wearing glasses.
However, when I take off my glasses, it seems like I start using my right eye again.
When I take off my glasses and cover my left eye to use my right eye, I find it very difficult to see.
After about ten seconds of trying to see with my right eye, it feels like my eye is straining, but the images are clear, and I can't maintain that for long (it's hard to describe).
The optometrist told me that my left eye is nearsighted but has good vision, while my right eye is not nearsighted but has poor vision.
I'm concerned about my right eye potentially losing its ability to see.
By the way, when I don't wear glasses, it seems like I use my right eye to see, and everything appears very clear, which is why I usually don't wear glasses except when using the computer.
However, I have a feeling that I might still be relying on my left eye to see things when I'm not wearing glasses.
My writing may not be very clear, so I hope the doctor can help me understand what I should do.
If there are any parts that are unclear, please let me know, and I will revise them.
Thank you very much, doctor!

Wei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/10/22

Dr. Liu Jingxian reply Ophthalmology


Hello, Sir: Regarding the situation mentioned above, your vision indicates that the right eye is abnormal while the left eye is normal.
This issue may stem from childhood, where there was a disparity in vision between the two eyes, typically characterized by high hyperopia in the right eye and a refractive error close to zero in the left eye.
This condition can lead to amblyopia due to insufficient stimulation of the affected eye, which may not have been detected at the time.
As you progressed through school, the refractive error in both eyes decreased, resulting in the right eye nearing normal vision but still being classified as amblyopic during adolescence.
It is advisable to seek consultation at a hospital to understand these conditions and explore options for improvement.
Wishing you good health.
Taipei City Hospital, Zhongxing Branch, Ophthalmology, Dr.
Liu Jingzhu.

Reply Date: 2006/10/22

More Info


Understanding vision discrepancies, particularly in cases of left eye dominance and right eye weakness, can be quite complex. Based on your description, it seems you have a significant difference in visual acuity between your two eyes, which is not uncommon. This condition, often referred to as anisometropia, occurs when the refractive power of one eye differs from the other, leading to varying levels of visual clarity.

From what you've shared, your left eye has a high degree of nearsightedness (myopia) while your right eye has no refractive error but poor visual acuity. This discrepancy can lead to a phenomenon known as "suppression," where the brain favors the clearer image from the left eye and essentially ignores the input from the right eye. This is likely why you find yourself using your left eye more when wearing glasses and why you feel discomfort when trying to use your right eye alone.

When you remove your glasses, your right eye may seem to function better because it is not being forced to compete with the clearer image from your left eye. However, the fact that you experience difficulty and fatigue when using your right eye alone indicates that it may not be fully developed in terms of visual acuity or that it has not been trained to function optimally due to the dominance of your left eye.

Here are some recommendations to address your concerns:
1. Regular Eye Exams: It is crucial to have regular eye examinations to monitor the health of both eyes and to assess any changes in vision. An eye care professional can provide tailored advice based on your specific condition.

2. Vision Therapy: If your right eye is not being used effectively, vision therapy may be beneficial. This type of therapy involves exercises designed to improve coordination and visual skills, potentially helping your brain to better integrate the visual input from both eyes.

3. Corrective Lenses: Since you mentioned that you only wear glasses when using the computer, consider wearing your glasses more consistently, especially during activities that require visual focus. This can help reduce strain and encourage the use of both eyes.

4. Avoid Overexertion: When using your right eye, try not to overexert it, as you noted that it becomes fatigued quickly. Take breaks and allow your eyes to rest, especially if you are engaging in activities that require prolonged focus.

5. Consult a Specialist: If you continue to have concerns about your right eye's vision or if you notice any changes, it may be beneficial to consult with a specialist, such as a neuro-ophthalmologist, who can evaluate the neurological aspects of your vision and provide further insights.

6. Mindful Observation: Pay attention to how you use your eyes in daily activities. Try to consciously engage your right eye more often, even in simple tasks, to help strengthen its function over time.

In summary, while it is understandable to be concerned about the disparity in vision between your eyes, there are steps you can take to improve your situation. Regular check-ups, potential vision therapy, and mindful practices can help you achieve a more balanced use of both eyes. If you have any further questions or need clarification, don't hesitate to reach out to your eye care provider.

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