Heterometropia is a medical condition that affects the eyesight, causing the two eyes to have different refractive powers. The word is spelled as /ˌhɛtərɵˈmɛtrəpɪə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial "h" is silent, followed by "e" pronounced as "eh". The next syllable begins with "t" and ends with an unstressed "ə" sound. Then comes the most emphasized syllable with the "o" pronounced as "uh" and ending with "iə". Heterometropia can lead to vision problems and discomfort, and it usually requires corrective lenses.
Heterometropia refers to a visual condition characterized by the unequal refractive power of the two eyes. It is a type of refractive error where one eye has a different refractive power compared to the other eye. This discrepancy in the refractive power causes an imbalance in the vision, leading to difficulty focusing and seeing objects clearly.
Heterometropia can occur due to various factors, such as differences in the shape of the eyeball or differences in the curvature of the cornea between the two eyes. These variations in the refractive power can lead to either hypermetropia (farsightedness) or myopia (nearsightedness) in one eye, while the other eye may have normal vision.
The symptoms of heterometropia can vary depending on the degree of refractive error in each eye. Common signs may include blurred or distorted vision, eye strain, headache, and difficulty with depth perception. These symptoms often worsen when trying to focus on close objects or engage in prolonged activities such as reading or computer work.
Heterometropia can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Treatment options may include the prescription of corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, that compensate for the difference in refractive power between the eyes. In some cases, vision therapy or refractive surgery may be recommended to optimize vision and reduce the symptoms associated with heterometropia. Regular eye examinations are essential to monitor the condition and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
A condition in which the degree of refraction is unlike in the two eyes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "heterometropia" is derived from two Greek roots, "hetero-" meaning "different" or "other", and "metropia" meaning "vision" or "sight". In ophthalmology, heterometropia refers to a condition in which one eye has a different refractive error than the other, causing an imbalance in vision between the two eyes.