Phoria: Understanding Hidden Eye Misalignment

Phoria is a latent (hidden) misalignment of the eyes that occurs intermittently. Unlike tropia, where the misalignment is constant, phoria may only become apparent when one eye is covered. The covered eye may naturally drift away from the line of sight and realign once it is uncovered.

Phoria can become more noticeable when you are tired or after prolonged periods of reading, computer work or other visually demanding tasks.

How does phoria affect vision?

Both eyes need to be properly aligned to maintain comfortable binocular vision and a single, clear image.

When the eyes have to work harder to maintain alignment and binocular fusion, this can lead to visual discomfort. If the eyes are unable to maintain proper alignment, this may result in double vision.

Some people have a phoria without experiencing any symptoms, while others may notice discomfort during prolonged visual tasks.

What are the common symptoms?

You may experience:

· Double vision

· Eye strain or tired eyes

· Headaches

· Difficulty focusing

· Blurry or fluctuating vision

These symptoms may become more noticeable after long periods of reading, computer work or screen use.

How is phoria managed?

Management depends on the type and amount of phoria, as well as how well the eyes are able to control the misalignment.

Treatment may include:

· Prescription glasses

· Prism lenses

· Vision therapy

· Regular monitoring

Standard prescription glasses may correct blurry vision caused by refractive errors, but they may not address symptoms related to binocular vision or eye alignment. An eye examination can assess how well your eyes work together and determine whether further management is needed.

See clearly and comfortably

If you experience frequent eye strain, headaches, difficulty focusing or occasional double vision, especially after prolonged reading or computer work, phoria could be one possible explanation.

Visit us for an eye examination and speak with our team if you have concerns about how your eyes work together. We can assess your vision and binocular function and recommend the appropriate solution for your needs.

Comfortable vision starts with understanding how your eyes work together.