Prism is a component that can be incorporated into a prescription for glasses to help address binocular vision dysfunction or other neurological vision conditions. Prism works by refracting light; which moves the position of an image. By moving the image, the eye doctor can accomplish a number of visual goals. Prism can be used to improve eye teaming in an effort to minimize symptoms of double vision, headaches or eyestrain. For patients with binocular vision dysfunction, prism can be a critical part of managing their eye teaming deficit. Prism can also be used to shift an image right, left, up or down – which can benefit patients who have experienced visual changes related to a stroke, brain injury or degenerative condition.
Prism is not as aspect of eyecare performed by every eye doctor. Very few doctors go on to complete residency-training in binocular vision, which is why a trial and error approach to prism may be taken. An optometrist who is residency-trained in binocular vision or neuro-optometry possesses the level of training necessary to perform a Prism Assessment.
During a prism assessment, the doctor will evaluate your visual system both with and without prism in place. This will allow the doctor to determine the exact amount of prism you require as well as the extent to which you will benefit from the prescribed prism.