What You Need To Know About Ocular Dominance

Have you ever wondered why you naturally close one eye when focusing on a distant object? While you use both eyes to see the world around you, one eye typically leads the way, influencing how you perceive depth and distance. Ocular dominance is a fascinating aspect of vision health and eyecare that can impact many of your daily activities.

Defining Ocular Dominance

Ocular dominance is very similar to being right- or left-handed. One eye, the dominant eye, provides slightly more input to the visual part of your brain than the other. The leading eye lays the groundwork for visual perception, especially when perceiving depth and distance.

Why Ocular Dominance Matters

Knowing your dominant eye is crucial because it can affect how you perform certain tasks. It can influence how you perceive the world around you and how you interact with it. Recognizing and adapting to your ocular dominance can help you perform everyday tasks more efficiently and effectively. Identifying your dominant eye during eye exams can also help optometrists prescribe contact lenses or glasses. 

When driving, you’ll likely rely on your dominant eye more when judging distances or parking your car. This dominance can also come into play when reading a book or a sign, threading a needle or cooking, which requires accurate measurement of ingredients. In sports that require precise aim, such as shooting or archery, identifying your dominant eye is critical for optimal performance.

Ocular dominance can also affect how you perceive 3D images. The image for each eye is slightly different when viewing 3D movies or virtual reality content. Your dominant eye is integral in merging these images into one, providing you with a 3D experience.

In monovision correction, where one eye gets distance correction and the other for near vision, the dominant eye often gets the distance correction. Knowledge of ocular dominance ensures a comfortable and successful adaptation of eyeglasses or contact lenses to the prescription.

Determining Eye Dominance

One method to determine your dominant eye is the “Miles test.” Extend your arms and create a small opening between your thumbs and index fingers by bringing them together. Center this opening on a distant object — like a clock or a picture on a wall. Close your left eye. If the object stays in view, you are right-eye dominant. If the object disappears from view, you are left-eye dominant.

Another method is the “Porta test”. With eyes open, extend your arm and point your index finger at a distant object. Close each eye alternately. Your dominant eye is the one that keeps your finger on target. Note that these tests are not foolproof. Always consult an eye care professional for an accurate determination.

Take Charge of Your Eye Health

Understanding the influence of ocular dominance on your vision and adapting to accommodate your dominant eye can significantly enhance your daily quality of life. For all your eye care needs in Eagle, ID, Six One Six Vision Center can help. Contact us at (208) 514-1858 or to schedule your appointment online today.