Eye Coordination |
| Written by Bruce Cooper & Dr. Guy Hodgson |
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Reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Guy Hodgson
Eye coordination is the ability of both eyes to work properly together. Each eye sees a slightly different image and the brain, by a process called fusion, blends the images into one three-dimensional picture. Eye coordination is a skill that must be developed. Poor coordination is the result of inadequate vision development or weak eye muscle control. Although rare, injury or disease can cause poor eye coordination. Because the images seen by each eye are the same, a person will compensate for poor eye muscle control by subconsciously exerting extra effort to maintain proper eye alignment. In a severe condition, the muscles are unable to adjust the eyes, causing the same image to be seen and producing double vision. By attempting to ignore seeing double, the brain eventually ignores one eye and a condition called amblyopia or lazy eye can occur. Some of the signs and symptoms which may indicate poor eye coordination include double vision, headaches, eye and body fatigue, irritability, dizziness and difficulty reading and concentrating. Children may cover one eye, lose their place while reading, perform poorly at sports, avoid tasks requiring close work, and tire easily. The condition is successfully treated with eyeglasses and/or vision therapy, but in some cases surgery may be necessary. Sometimes, eye coordination will improve when other vision conditions like short-sightedness or far-sightedness are corrected. Poor eye coordination can be difficult to detect, and periodic eye examinations beginning at age 6 months and again at 3 years are recommended. |
