Are You Using Both Eyes? Let’s Talk About Suppression of an Eye

Suppression of an eye is when the brain ignores the visual signals provided by one eye. Essentially, suppression is a method of compensating or adapting for a specific vision condition, like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (cross eyed).

With normal vision, the eyes are aligned and have an equally clear image. When they are pointed at the same object, the brain uses small cues to determine depth, size, shape, and more, and combines the images of each eye to see.

If one eye is experiencing blurry vision, the brain has a significantly harder time combining the images of each eye to compose one single image.

To compensate or adapt, the brain then suppresses visual input from the blurry eye. In the case of strabismus, where the brain would see multiple images, the brain would suppress visual input from the eye that is turned in.

If you think you or your child is contending with suppression of the eye, schedule an appointment so we can work to correct your visual system and have you using both eyes again:

Watch this short video by Dr. Wineland, where he discusses suppression and showcases the tools used in anti-suppression tests:

I’m going to discuss a special test we run on patients that have a condition called suppression. With this test, we can find out if the patient – child or adult – uses both eyes.

Did you know that 20-30% of patients don’t use both eyes? When you’re not using both eyes, it’s called suppression.

One eye may turn in, turn out, or just completely shut off deep within the brain.

When that happens, we won’t have stereo depth perception and you’ll have a lot of confusion with your vision system.

This can include:

• Poor hand-eye coordination
• Poor vision/coordination in sports (or the avoidance of sports completely)
• Poor concentration and attention
• Poor driving abilities
• Difficulty with schoolwork
• Frequently tired eyes
• Overall confusion and frustration

If you have any of these symptoms – or your child has any of these symptoms – be sure to talk with your eye doctor.

We can run an anti-suppression test using an instrument that shines four lights at once. Patients who pass the test will see all four lights at all times. Patients who don’t see all four lights may see versions of red only or green only.

Once we know what your vision is contending with, we can make a plan to help your vision improve.