Anisometropia is a condition wherein an individual’s eyes have different refractive powers, resulting in asymmetrical curvatures, asymmetric farsightedness or asymmetric nearsightedness. It typically manifests in a few symptoms like headaches and visual discomfort, but at its most grievous stage, anisometropia can cause visual blurring, alternating vision or double vision. Keep on reading to learn more about the different types, causes and treatments of this condition.
Types of Anisometropia
- Simple Anisometropia: This occurs when one eye has a refractive error while the other eye has none The affected eye can either be hyperopic or myopic.
- Compound Anisometropia: This occurs when both eyes are myopic or short-sighted. However, there’s a significant difference in their refractive errors, causing one eye to see a more blurred image than the other.
- Mixed Anisometropia: This occurs when both eyes have appreciable refractive errors, meaning one eye is myopic and the other one is hyperopic.
Causes of Anisometropia
Even an individual with normal vision can have up to 5% difference in the refractive power of each eye. Meanwhile, people with 5% to 20% difference will experience anisometropia, causing their eyes to focus unevenly and, therefore, require some sort of a remedial tool like eyeglasses. Some of the common causes include defects in the eye during childbirth and the uneven size of the two eyes.
Treatment of Anisometropia
It’s critical to treat anisometropia as soon as it’s diagnosed by a professional. If left untreated, the brain will proceed to decide which eye presents the clearer image and then neglect the other one, prompting the individual to exhibit dependence on the stronger eye. For some, the difference between the two eyes is manageable while others may require corrective lenses or corrective surgery.
Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry is a vision care clinic specializing in top-rated eye care solutions, including myopia control, low vision therapy and LASIK eye surgery. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing the optical comfort and safety that each and every patient needs. Call us today at (877) 224-6447, or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment. Our service areas include Reston, VA, and the surrounding communities.
