Anisometropia is a disorder in which the refractive power of an individual’s two eyes is different. This difference in power of refraction may vary. The difference could mean that the refractive power of one eye is lower than normal, while the refractive power of the other eye is higher than normal.
It may also mean, one eye is myopic or near sighted, while the other one is hyperopic or far sighted. In other words, both eyes might be far sighted or both eyes are near sighted. This problem may seem to be a minor problem for people but rather it may cause serious problems.
Anisometropia in Children
If the refractive power difference is too great in children suffering from anisometropia, the brain is not able to combine the two images properly as it normally does. Normally, the brain fuses two images produced by the same refractive power of two eyes.
But, when children have severe anisometropia, the brain uses only single eye images and the other eye signals are ignored. This may lead to blindness in one eye, especially the eye whose signals are ignored.
In some cases, the refractive power difference can also cause the person to see double. This condition is known as diplopia. This is caused essentially due to failure in brain function to combine two images properly.
This condition may also result in eye strain, which is known as asthenopia in ophthalmological terms. This may result in a variety of symptoms, that range from headaches to pink or red eyes. Double vision and blurred vision are also eye strain symptoms.
It is difficult to detect anisometropia in infancy as there are no clear, obvious signs at that stage.
Treatment
- Lenses or spectacles are prescribed usually, if this condition is detected.
- If this condition becomes severe, use of an eye patch may be prescribed.
