Ocular dominance, the phenomenon in which one eye is more dominant than the other, is often spelled with two "c"s: "occcular dominance." However, the correct spelling only has one "c," as indicated by the International Phonetic Alphabet transcription /ˈɑkjəlɚ ˈdɑmənəns/. The "c" in "ocular" is pronounced /k/ instead of /s/ because it is followed by a "u." This word is commonly used in the fields of optometry and ophthalmology to study the visual system.
Ocular dominance refers to the preferential use of one eye over the other for visual processing and perception. It is also known as eye dominance or ocular lateralization. Typically, individuals display a dominant eye, using it more frequently and efficiently in activities such as reading, focusing on objects, or aiming. The dominant eye is responsible for providing clearer and more accurate visual information to the brain.
Ocular dominance is primarily determined by the visual cortex, the area of the brain responsible for visual processing. The information gathered by each eye is transmitted to the visual cortex through separate neural pathways. In most individuals, the visual cortex receives signals from both eyes, but one eye's input is more dominant in guiding visual perception.
Determining ocular dominance can be achieved through various tests, such as the Miles test or the Porta test. These tests involve occluding one eye and evaluating the clarity and precision of vision when using the other eye. The dominant eye will provide more accurate and detailed visual information.
Understanding ocular dominance is crucial in fields such as optometry and sports, as it can impact visual performance, depth perception, and hand-eye coordination. It also plays a role in optical correction, particularly when prescribing glasses or contact lenses, as the prescription may differ between the dominant and non-dominant eyes to optimize visual acuity. Overall, ocular dominance provides valuable insights into how the human visual system functions and enables us to perceive and interpret our surroundings effectively.
The word "ocular" comes from the Latin term "oculus", meaning "eye". It refers to anything related to the eye or vision.
The word "dominance" comes from the Latin word "dominare", meaning "to rule or govern". It refers to having power or control over something.
Therefore, "ocular dominance" combines these two terms to describe the phenomenon where one eye has a higher degree of control or influence over vision than the other eye.