It’s not unusual for a person’s eyes to need two different eyeglass prescriptions. But can someone’s eyes be so entirely different that one is nearsighted and the other is farsighted? The short answer: yes. In this post, Eye & Vision Care, the leading provider of quality eyeglasses and contacts in the region, discusses everything you need to know about this condition.
What Is Anisometropia?
Anisometropia is a condition in which the refractive power of both eyes has a difference of about two diopters or more. When a person has anisometropia, they will see smaller images in one eye and larger ones in another. Most people diagnosed with anisometropia already have it from birth, which can be difficult to detect. Anisometropia can develop at any age, though, and equally affects both genders.
Causes of Anisometropia
Our eyes have multiple components that work together to provide vision. Some of these are the cornea, retina and the natural crystalline lens of the eye. If any of these components are impacted, our ability to focus may change drastically. Some of the leading causes of anisometropia are an injury to the eye, surgery, eye trauma and several types of genetic condition. If you suspect that you may be suffering from this vision problem, schedule an eye exam with your optometrist right away to determine the health of your eyes.
Treatment Options
Anisometropia can be attended to using various treatment options, such as:
- Corrective lenses to improve vision in both eyes
- Covering the dominant eye with a professional patch, which is a similar treatment used for lazy eyes
- Using special filters in glasses to train the brain to use the weaker eye
Although these methods may not entirely cure the disorder, diligently following your doctor’s treatment regimen and instructions can certainly improve your overall vision.
To learn more about anisometropia, get in touch with our optometrists at Eye & Vision Care. We specialize in orthokeratology and other services to help treat various eye conditions, including anisometropia. Schedule a consultation by calling us at (703) 910-5952 or by completing our form. We serve residents in South Riding, VA, and nearby areas.