Also called eye preference, ocular dominance is the tendency to prefer visual cues from one eye over the other. Around 29 percent of the population is left-eye dominant and 70 percent right-eye dominant. This concept is similar to handedness, or the tendency to use either the left or right hand. Here, a reputable orthokeratology clinic discusses how to find your dominant eye.
Types of Eye Dominance
- Motor dominance is characterized by the eye being less likely to lose its fixation at the near point of convergence.
- Sighting dominance refers to the preference of one eye to the other when fixating on a target.
- Sensory dominance refers to the eye that has stronger vision than the other.
Should You Be Concerned About a Dominant Eye?
Eye dominance is generally not a source of concern. However, if an individual has a condition where eye dominance is a condition, like strabismus (crossed eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye), there are a few things that can be done to improve vision.
For amblyopia, early treatment options include wearing eyeglasses with specialized frames and undergoing vision therapy. To treat strabismus, eyeglasses, eye patching and surgical procedures are the most beneficial.
Finding Your Dominant Eye
If you want to determine which eye is dominant, the technique called the Miles Test is a popular option to use.
- Extend both arms in front of your body.
- Place the hands together to make a small triangle between your first knuckle and thumbs.
- With both eyes, look through the triangular opening and focus on a small item that is about 20 feet in the distance.
- Close your left eye. If the item remains in view, then you are right-eye dominant. If your hand appears to move off the item and to the left, then you are left-eye dominant.
Eye & Vision Care is a leading source of top-quality vision care products and personalized optometric services in Fairfax, Haymarket and South Riding, VA. Our trusted eye doctors provide eye exams, lenses, and frames and treat various eye conditions. Call us at (703) 783-1297 or (703) 783-1290. You can also fill out our contact form to set up an appointment.