Microprisms are typically prescribed in the context of optometry and vision correction, particularly in prism glasses or lenses. Prism glasses have prismatic lenses that can help correct binocular vision problems, where the two eyes do not align or work together properly. Microprisms in the lens help redirect the light path to the retinas, allowing the eyes to work together more effectively.

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When are Microprisms Prescribed?

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1. Strabismus:

   • Microprisms are often prescribed to individuals with strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not align properly, and one eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward.

   • The prisms can help align the visual images from each eye, allowing them to work together more effectively.

2. Double Vision (Diplopia):

   • If a person experiences double vision due to misalignment of the eyes, prismatic correction can help by aligning the two images into one.

   • Microprisms can be useful in cases where only a small amount of prismatic correction is needed.

3. Hemianopia:

   • For individuals with hemianopia, a condition where vision is lost in half of the visual field in both eyes, prism glasses can help expand the visual field or shift the visual field to compensate for the lost vision.

   • Microprisms can be beneficial to subtly shift the visual field without causing significant distortion.

4. Convergence Insufficiency:

   • Microprisms may be prescribed for those who have convergence insufficiency, a condition where the eyes have difficulty working together when looking at near objects, leading to eyestrain and difficulty reading.

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Types of Prismatic Correction:

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1. Fresnel Prisms:

   • These are thin, lightweight plastic prisms that can be adhered to the back surface of glasses and are often used temporarily to determine the appropriate amount of prismatic correction needed.

   • These can be helpful in allowing a smaller amount of prismatic correction, essentially acting as “microprisms.”

2. Ground-in Prisms:

   • These prisms are incorporated into the lens during the lens-making process and are usually used when a permanent prism correction is needed.

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A developmental optometrist typically prescribes prism glasses after a thorough eye examination and assessment of the individual's visual needs. The decision to prescribe microprisms, or prisms in general, is usually based on the type and severity of the binocular vision problem and the patient's symptoms and visual demands.