Prism eyeglasses are different from regular eyeglasses. They employ prismatic lenses. Unlike traditional eyeglasses that improve vision for one or both eyes, these eyeglasses are not intended to affect eyesight based on near or long vision. Instead, these glasses are used to help a person who has trouble with eye alignment where both of the eyes work in tandem together.
Why People Need Prism Lenses
People who need to wear prism lenses often experience double or blurred vision because their eyes are looking at two different points instead of converging at the same point. This results in impaired vision and an unclear image. They suffer from binocular vision dysfunction. Addressing this requires proper diagnosis and treatment that typically involves using prism eyeglasses. Some people who wear prism lenses suffer from vertical heterophoria, a common but often undiagnosed binocular vision dysfunction. Their symptoms typically abate after they start wearing the new prism lenses.
Eye Manipulation
Prism eyeglasses work by moving the images so that these images coming from the individual eyes are aligned in the same plane. The brain then thinks the eyes are working in tandem and sees one unified image.
Prism eyeglasses get their name from the prism within the eyeglasses. The prism (shaped like a triangle) moves light going to each eye so that you see a clear unified image. This relieves eye strain as pressure on eye muscles is removed.
Using prism eyeglasses, you can overcome binocular vision dysfunction. Proper diagnosis can prevent headaches, dizziness and anxiety. For children suffering from this condition, having prism eyeglasses improves learning and reading immediately.
Get Fitted for Prismatic Lenses at the Neuro Visual Center of New York
At the Neuro Visual Center of New York, we offer specialized testing to check for binocular vision dysfunction. Our principal, Dr. Cheryl Israeloff, works with patients of all ages who have suffered from such symptoms and often have not gotten a proper diagnosis or treatment.
If you or a loved one suffers from binocular vision dysfunction, call us to set up an appointment to get help. One of our staff will help you learn more about your condition and educate you on eye health. After diagnosis, Dr. Israeloff will be able to assist you with effective eye treatment and, if you are a suitable candidate, you will be prescribed prismatic lenses. Call the Neuro Visual Center of New York today at (516) 224-4888.
I have prism lenses for a “wandering” eye, according to my doctor. I use them to read anything over 10 minutes and after about 40 minutes I get nauseated. Is this normal? Why does this happen
Hi Karen,
It is difficult to comment on your particular case. You should ask your doctor why you get nauseated while reading. You may need a modification to your prescription.
Would a prism help with someone with MG and having double vision?
Yes, we have treated many patients with double vision due to MG.
If you are diagnosed with bvd .. do you have to wear glasses for the rest of your life?
Usually, yes.
Does it come in contact lens ?
A few prescriptions can be made in contact lens but the majority of the of prescriptions work much better in spectacle lenses.
I was recently diagnosed with vertical heterophoria and got my new prism lenses today. My dizziness has always been an eternal swaying sensation and also just general dizziness and lightheadedness. A lot has got away but the swaying feeling gets bad more than usual. Could this be my brain trying to adjust to the new prism lenses?
Assuming your lenses were prescribed correctly, you may need a little time to adjust or you are ready for a modification. Please contact your doctor.
Hi
My OS has 20/50 and in this eye i have a scotoma but my OD has 20/20, is it possible for OS and in order to displacement of scotoma, use prismatic glasses? This prismatic glasss for my OS and ordinary glass for my OD does not produce diplopia?
It is possible but would have to be tested to see if this would create double vision.
Been wearing glasses full time for a just over a yr now with a prism in the left eye due to eye turn, I have noticed for the last little while I still get an eye pull out feeling and notice double vision goin on as well in the left eye but have also started to notice my right eye has started to turn in a bit as well. Is that normal after wearing prisms that long or do I need to get a prism for that eye as well to help with that? Also will I need to increase the prism in the left eye to help with that eye pull feeling/double vision? I am also nearsighted as well with mild astigmatism in both eyes.
We can not comment on your specific case. Please contact your doctor as each patient is different.
All the best.
Hi, my daughter is 19 years old, she was diagnosed with nystagmus at the age of 6 months old , She has been prescribed prism glasses when she was around 6 years old has been wearing glasses since she was 2 years old ,she has prism glasses now my daughter wants to drive a car , I am very hesitant about that idea , can you give me some advise ?thank you
Every state has it’s own vision requirements for driving. It is best to contact your doctor to determine if your daughter meets those requirements.
All the best.
Hello, lately i see the object about 10 to 15 cm on the right. what should i do? what prism should they use?
We can not prescribe without an examination. I am sorry.
I am nearsighted and have a head tilt due to a congenital nystagmus. Can prisms be added to prescription lenses to take care of both issues? And can I drive a car with prism lenses?
Many of our patients can drive a car. Prismatic correction may help with your nystagmus. Each case is different so an examination would be needed in our to determine if our treatment would reduce your symptoms.
I just startet to wear prism glasses with power 7BO. My regular glasses are -2.75. Will my prism power will change or remain the same?
Please advise.
Thanks,
Violeta
We can not comment on your case without an examination. Please your doctor.
I am experiencing reading comprehension after wearing prism lenses for 2 months. Have you heard of someone getting worse from the lenses ?
**Reading comprehension issues
We have never encountered a decrease in reading comprehension in our practice. Prism can be prescribed in many ways. I suggest you reach out to your doctor.
All the best
Can wearing prism glasses have a long term effect to weaken the eye muscle over time? I am concerned it might make by lazy eye issue worse long term.
We use the smallest amount of prism to reduce symptoms. In our practice, this does not make things worse over time.
I have MG and was prescribed prisms years ago. The initial pair that I purchased were in vertical instead of out and my eyes were worse as the result. For about a year I wore the wrong prisms due to the eyeglasses being made incorrectly. Will this harm the direction of how my eyes function now? I have since found a neuro ophthalmologist who has corrected this. Very curious if the wrong prisms can have lasting effects.
Thank you!
The wrong prescription can cause problems but it should not be lasting. I hope you find relief with your new prescription.
My friend has an appointment with you next week. If he gets positively diagnosed for any of the BVD cases mentioned here, how long would it take to get the prismatic lens delivered?
Thank you in advance.!
Hi Divya
It takes about 2 weeks in most cases.
Please explain how the Prism correction needed is measured. Does the prescription detail SIZE of prisms, ANGLE of prisms, SPACE between prisms or what in order to correct the visual/brain problem? I’m asking because I presently have a temporary layer of Prism material adhered to the back of my left eyeglass lens. I’m concerned it wasn’t applied correctly because the lines of prisms are nearly horizontal in the frame, but slightly not level. The rough, jagged cut-out edge of the material makes me suspicious the tech attaching this sticker-like material was not accustomed to doing this job.
Our evaluation takes about 2 hours and we do not use press on prisms. The prism is ground into the lenses according to a very precise prescription.
Hello. Do you have any experience helping people with NAION? I am right eye effected since September 22. Lost ability to read in that eye, sketchy central vision as well as peripheral vision. Left eye still ok but I’ve been told by Neuro Ophthalmologist that my cup to disc ratio in both eyes is approximately zero.
Hi Patrick
Prism does not typically help with NAION. I would continue to see your Neuro Ophthalmologist and protect your left eye.
All the best
The Neuro Visual Center of NY.
I had LASIK surgery in 2014. One eye was adjusted for distance vision and the other eye for reading. Could this cause vertical heterophoria?
I have daily headaches, dizziness and heavy pressure in my head
Yes monovision can cause a lot of different binocular problems.