Your vision is more than just sharpness or clarity. It involves knowing minute details, like which of one is more “dominant” than the other. Also known as ocular dominance, it’s one of the most fascinating aspects of our visual system. Knowing your dominant eye can influence several aspects of your life, from your performance in sports to the glasses or contact lenses best suited for you.
What Is Ocular Dominance?
Ocular dominance or eye preference is the inclination to prefer visual input from one eye over the other. It’s similar to how most people are either right or left-handed. The science behind ocular dominance is deeply rooted in our neurology. It’s the brain’s way of streamlining visual processing by giving precedence to the information coming from one eye.
Why Ocular Dominance Matters
The importance of ocular dominance extends beyond vision correction. Knowing your dominant eye can enhance your performance in sports and recreational activities. In archery and shooting, you use your dominant eye for aiming. Even in daily activities such as catching a ball or driving, knowing your dominant eye can help improve accuracy and perception.
Moreover, ocular dominance also influences our depth perception and spatial awareness. The dominant eye sends more visual information to the brain. This helps you judge distances and understand three-dimensional space more accurately.
Interestingly, ocular dominance can sometimes shift, especially due to eye disease or injury. Regular visits to your eye doctor for an eye exam can help monitor these changes and adjust your vision care accordingly.
How To Determine Eye Dominance
A professional eye care expert can help establish which of your eyes is dominant. They have the tools necessary to assess your vision and determine eye dominance. Eye care experts in Arlington, VA, can perform an eye exam to ensure you’re getting a well-rounded understanding of your visual profile.
Your dominant eye also influences the type of prescription you’ll get if you’re planning to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. Your optometrist can modify the power of the lenses to reflect the subtle differences in each eye’s visual acuity. Moreover, awareness of ocular dominance can contribute to vision therapy and exercises intended to improve depth perception, focus and balance.
Take Better Care of Your Vision
For your vision and eye care needs, turn to Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry. You may call us at any of these phone numbers: (703) 660-9494 (Alexandria), (703) 413-1400 (Crystal City), (703) 522-7676 (Clarendon), (703) 573-1200 (Falls Church), or (703) 467-9080 (Reston). You may also fill out our contact form for a consultation.
