You might close one eye while reading to avoid double vision. Here's why:
The Underlying Issue: Convergence Insufficiency
Your eyes are meant to work together, a process called binocular vision. When you focus on something close, like a book, your eyes naturally turn inward to keep the image clear. This coordinated movement is called convergence.
However, some people have trouble with this coordination, a condition known as convergence insufficiency. In this situation, the eyes struggle to converge correctly. This can lead to several problems, including:
- Difficulty focusing
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Double Vision
The Brain's Solution: Suppressing One Eye
When your eyes aren't working as a team, your brain faces a dilemma: two different images are being sent from each eye. To avoid seeing double, your brain may suppress (shut down) the vision in one eye as the reference explains. This is an automatic process that helps you see a single, clear image. By closing one eye, you are essentially achieving the same outcome - temporarily eliminating the double vision or visual discomfort.
How it Happens:
- Eye Muscle Imbalance: The muscles controlling eye movement may be weak or not properly coordinated.
- Brain Adaptation: To compensate, the brain learns to ignore input from one eye.
- Drifting Eyes: Your eyes may start to drift apart, losing their ability to work together.
When to Seek Help
Closing one eye occasionally may not be a cause for concern. However, if you find yourself doing it frequently or experiencing other symptoms like those mentioned above, it is worth consulting an eye care professional. They can assess your vision, diagnose any underlying issues, and recommend treatments such as:
- Vision therapy
- Eye exercises
- Special glasses
In summary,
When you close one eye while reading, it’s likely a result of your brain trying to compensate for a vision problem, such as convergence insufficiency, where your eyes are not working well together, leading to double vision. Your brain might be suppressing the vision in one eye to avoid seeing double, and closing your eye is a way of achieving the same effect.
