Balancing Vision: Addressing Significant Eye Discrepancies and Myopia Concerns - Ophthalmology

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Excessive binocular disparity?


Hello, doctor.
I would like to inquire about my vision.
My eyesight differs by over 200 degrees between my left and right eyes.
When I got my glasses, they mentioned that my dominant eye is my right eye, which is why the prescription for my right eye is higher.
I would like to know if there are any methods to help balance my eyesight so that I am not relying primarily on one eye, which causes the prescription to keep increasing.
Also, I am about to turn 25; will my myopia continue to worsen?

Xin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/21

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology


Basically, your eyeball has reached a mature state, and your prescription should not continue to increase.
Therefore, you generally do not need to adopt any special measures to prevent an increase in stereopsis disparity.

Reply Date: 2016/01/21

More Info


Balancing vision discrepancies, especially when one eye has significantly worse vision than the other, can be a complex issue. In your case, with a difference of over 200 degrees between your two eyes, it is essential to understand the underlying factors and potential solutions.

Firstly, the condition you are describing is known as anisometropia, which occurs when the two eyes have unequal refractive power. This can lead to various visual problems, including amblyopia (lazy eye) in the weaker eye, where the brain starts to favor the stronger eye. This can result in the stronger eye becoming more dominant, leading to further deterioration of the weaker eye's vision over time.
To address your concerns about balancing your vision, several approaches can be considered:
1. Corrective Lenses: Wearing glasses or contact lenses that correct the vision in both eyes can help. However, if there is a significant difference in prescription, it may take some time for your brain to adjust to the new visual input. It is crucial to have regular eye exams to monitor your vision and adjust your prescription as needed.

2. Vision Therapy: This is a specialized program designed to improve visual skills and processing. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals with significant differences in vision between their eyes. Vision therapy may include exercises that help improve coordination and focus between the two eyes, potentially reducing the dominance of one eye over the other.

3. Surgical Options: In some cases, refractive surgery (like LASIK or PRK) may be an option to correct significant differences in refractive error. However, this is generally considered when the eyes have stabilized, and it is essential to discuss the risks and benefits with an eye care professional.

4. Regular Monitoring: Since you are approaching the age of 25, it is important to keep in mind that myopia (nearsightedness) can continue to progress into your mid-20s. Regular eye exams will help track any changes in your vision. If you notice that your myopia is worsening, your eye care provider may suggest additional interventions.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing eye strain through proper ergonomics when using screens, taking regular breaks, and ensuring adequate lighting can help maintain eye health. Additionally, incorporating outdoor activities into your routine has been shown to help slow the progression of myopia in some studies.

In conclusion, balancing the vision between your two eyes is crucial for overall visual health and function. It is advisable to consult with an eye care professional who can provide a tailored approach based on your specific needs and monitor your vision as you transition into your mid-20s. They can help you explore the best options to ensure both eyes are functioning optimally and to manage any progression of myopia effectively.

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