38
BINOCULAR WHAT?
WORDS: Dr. Paige G. Laudicina
Kids are now a couple of months
back into school life, and with
that comes a reminder of the
importance of eye exams. I want to
introduce and discuss a topic that I
believe to be both undervalued and
under-examined - binocular vision.
Binocular vision means using the two
eyes together to create a single, clear,
and comfortable image for the viewer. It is
have adequate binocular vision, in order
also important to mention that binocular
vision is not assessed during vision
screenings and can only be measured
through a comprehensive eye exam.
binocular vision we examine, is the ability
to converge the eyes. Convergence is
the act of bringing the two eyes together
do this well, for someone to read or do
homework for an extended period of time.
Wi thout adequate convergence,
someone might get very tired while
reading, experience a headache, or
may even experience double vision,
or the perception that words and
letters are moving around on the page.
How distracting! Once diagnosed,
certain glasses and/or vision therapy
exercises can help improve and sustain
convergence.
Another element to assess in binocular
or “focus” their eyes. When we look to the
distance, our eyes should be relaxed,
but when we look at things close to us,
and rather effortlessly to provide clear
and comfortable vision for the individual.
that describes weak focusing muscles and
is commonly treated with reading glasses.
two eyes would point in exactly the same
quite common for the eyes to turn inwards
or outwards, slightly. In small amounts,
this is normal and easily compensated
for, and the viewer will have no symptoms.
In other cases, one eye can drift too far
in or out, and the viewer may experience
uncomfortable vision, and possibly
double vision. To improve this, we
sometimes prescribe glasses with prism.
Prism reduces the amount of effort the
eyes must expend, to maintain a single,
clear, and comfortable image.
to prevent a condition called amblyopia,
more commonly referred to as “lazy eye”.
If an eye develops a tendency to turn
inward or outward too often, one eye may
become visually impaired due to lack of
amblyopia while a child is still young, as
perhaps impossible, to correct after the
visual system is fully developed, around
age eight or nine.
This may seem like a lot of information to
digest, but fear not. At Eye Center, Inc.,
your child will receive a very thorough
eye exam. We assess the possible need
for glasses or contact lenses, evaluate
the binocular system, and examine the
health of the ocular anatomy. We will
make absolutely certain your child has
the best vision possible to succeed in this
school year, and those to follow.