Understanding and Addressing Phorias: When One Eye Gets Blurrier After Sleep or One-Eyed Viewing

Have you ever noticed that when you watch television or look at a screen while supporting your head with a pillow on one side, one eye becomes blurry? Or when you get up from this position, you feel temporarily cross-eyed? This is a common occurrence, and while it’s generally not something to be overly concerned about, it does indicate a potential imbalance or weakness in one of your eye muscles. In this article, we will explore what phorias are, why they occur, and steps you can take to manage or treat them.

What is a Phoria?

Phorias, or muscle imbalances or weaknesses, refer to the tendency of an eye to drift out of alignment when it is not engaged in the use of both eyes together (binocular vision). Dr. Emery Hall explains that these imbalances typically do not cause double vision (diplopia) under normal circumstances because the parts of the brain responsible for coordinating eye movements usually keep the eyes aligned. However, extreme fatigue, alcohol consumption, or occlusion of one eye with a pillow, like in the situation described, can temporarily relax these compensatory mechanisms, allowing the eyes to drift apart.

Types of Phorias

Phorias can be categorized into two types: tropias and phorias.

Phorias: These are the more common type, where the eye drifts out of position briefly, such as when you watch TV with a pillow over one eye or when you sleep on one side of your face. Usually, the brain can correct this by engaging the other eye, although it may cause temporary blurriness or a cross-eyed appearance when the eye is no longer occluded. Tropias: This is a more serious condition where the eyes are permanently misaligned, and diplopia is a frequent issue. Patients with tropias may require prism glasses or surgery to re-align the eyes.

Diagnosing Phorias

To diagnose a phoria, one can perform a simple test, such as the method described by Dr. Hall. This test involves occluding one eye for a short period and then switching to the other eye, observing the movement of the image. If the image moves when the eye is uncovered, it indicates a phoria in the resting position of that eye. The magnitude of this movement can also provide insight into the severity of the phoria.

Managing Phorias

Phorias can often be managed through various methods, including:

Eyeglasses or Prisms: If the phoria is mild, simply adjusting your glasses prescription or adding prisms can help reduce strain and improve vision. Eyesight Exercises: Eye exercises, also known as vision therapy, can help strengthen and coordinate the muscles that control eye movement. Posture Adjustments: Being mindful of your posture, especially when sleeping or using electronic devices, can help prevent the development of phorias.

Conclusion

Phorias are common and often harmless, especially if they only occur during specific activities like sleeping with a pillow or watching TV. However, if they persist or cause significant discomfort, it is advised to consult with an eye doctor who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments. Remember to take a cautious approach when diagnosing medical conditions online and always consult a professional for accurate assessment and guidance.