| An unequal prescription between the left and right eyes is termed anisometropia. It usually occurs when one eye is a different size or shape when compared to the other eye. It is estimated that around 6% of young children have anisometropia.
Normally, the brain receives images from both the right and left eyes and combines these images together to enable us to see what we do. However, due to the unequalness of the two eyes, untreated anisometropia can cause visual distortions or double vision, which can lead to dizziness, headaches, nausea and discomfort. This occurs as the brain is receiving two different-sized images from each eye, which can lead the brain to suppress the image from one eye and favour the other eye. This can potentially develop into “lazy eye” or amblyopia and can ultimately result in monovision and poor depth perception. However, with the right treatment, anisometropia can be corrected and will not progress to other conditions that will further impact on vision. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO TREAT MY ANISOMETROPIA? For the anisometropic patient, the most common form of treatment is through the use of contact lenses or spectacles! Spectacles can be used if the prescription between both eyes does not differ significantly, as the lenses for each eye will produce a similar-sized image. Contact lenses are the ideal corrective treatment for anisometropic patients, especially those with significantly different prescriptions in both eyes, as they eliminate the possibility of distortions and double vision which may be observed in spectacles depending on how they are worn. Whilst the contact lenses or spectacles will have different prescriptions with each lens, the anisometropic patient will be able to see clearly and equally with both eyes! In cases where amblyopia is already emerging, patching may also work to help the patient equalise visual input. Patching involves covering the dominant eye to encourage the weaker eye to strengthen its connections. If you would like to book in to see one of our optometrist for a consultation to find a solution to your anisometropia. Call 9728 7288 to make an appointment today. |
