Prism eyeglass lenses are typically prescribed for people who are experiencing double vision. Prism lenses help to merge the two images into one clear image.
In normal vision, the two eyes work in tandem by pointing at the same image. Each eye collects distinct visual information to be sent to the brain for processing. The brain then combines the visual input from each eye to produce a single image for you to see clearly.
Double vision occurs when the two eyes are not aligned properly and are unable to work together to point in the same direction, at the same time. As a result, the brain is not able to correctly process the visual input from the two eyes to form a single clear image.
Why would I need prism lenses?
The below list includes some of the most common symptoms of vision conditions that may be alleviated with prism lenses:
- Double vision
- Headaches
- Eye strain and fatigue
- Dizziness, vertigo, and lightheadedness
- Unsteady gait
- Postural problems
- Difficulty reading, fatiguing, losing place, words running together, etc.
- Difficulty focusing and maintaining concentration
- Difficulty driving for long periods
Prism may also be prescribed for the treatment of vision problems associated with:
- Muscle imbalance- Convergence insufficiency, convergence excess, esophoria, exophoria, and hyperphoria
- Strabismus– Exotropia, esotropia and hypertropia
- Eye strain- Computer vision syndrome
- Visual disruptions- Visual field loss, poor depth perception
- Muscular problems- Myasthenia gravis, Grave’s disease
- Neurological problems- Migraines, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, tumors, concussions, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, bell’s palsy, dementia
Double vision can be a sign of a serious health condition. It is important to see your doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause.