It’s almost three years ago since i tested covering one eye, and understood that it can be a way forward. That was the start of a journey from old devices (iPhone 4S/iOS7 & 2009 HP Elitebook/Win7) to today, now i can use all devices and screens with both eyes open :) I have gotten many questions on this forum about my training, in threads and PM, and I have tried to answer as good that i can. I have crossed my fingers that others will have the same progress, and pushed people to keep up training. But I haven’t heard about someone else that had progress with both eyes after one-eye-covered-training. That sucks. So I have wondered if I did something more than covering one eye that led to success, and now i have an idea I want people to try, with a bit inspiration from [Eye suppression theory as origin of our issues](https://ledstrain.org/d/1304-eye-suppression-theory-as-origin-of-our-issues). So this is what i want people to try: - Look with both eyes open. - Keep an bad-screen-phone in your left hand, a bit to the left. - Put your right hand open and standing between your nose and your right eye. If you have done right, you can see things in the room with both eyes, but you can only see the phone with your left eye. Keep up training like this, and we will see if someone get some success. —————————— List of users that covering one eye works on (i hope someone will test my idea): [martin](https://ledstrain.org/u/martin) “I could use my camera display with one eye very well, two eyes were problem.” [https://ledstrain.org/d/369-my-possible-solution-treatment-and-progress-so-far/13](https://ledstrain.org/d/369-my-possible-solution-treatment-and-progress-so-far/13) [ensete](https://ledstrain.org/u/ensete) “It is frankly embarrassing to have to do it, but so far I've managed to slog along for a few months using Windows 10 by patching my right eye. To me this proves 100% beyond any doubt that the issue (for me at least) is 100% related to my bincular vision processing be adversely effected by the way Window 10 displays the screen.” [https://ledstrain.org/d/1263-still-patching-daily-with-windows-10](https://ledstrain.org/d/1263-still-patching-daily-with-windows-10) [xelaos](https://ledstrain.org/u/xelaos) “I regularly just use my smartphone for 30min-90min hour a day and just close my right eye. So i have close to zero problems with the device compared to severe issues when i use both.” [https://ledstrain.org/d/188-your-health/449](https://ledstrain.org/d/188-your-health/449) [bkdo](https://ledstrain.org/u/bkdo) “This is really interesting. I've been trying patching my right eye while using my MacBook and it's noticeably better. Not perfect, but definitely better.” [https://ledstrain.org/d/1263-still-patching-daily-with-windows-10/10](https://ledstrain.org/d/1263-still-patching-daily-with-windows-10/10) [degen](https://ledstrain.org/u/degen) ”I seem to be able to tolerate otherwise intolerable software while using the eye patch. Also my concentration is better.” [https://ledstrain.org/d/925-windows-10-version-1507/28](https://ledstrain.org/d/925-windows-10-version-1507/28) [KM](https://ledstrain.org/u/KM) ”I notice relief, too, when looking at general ’temporal dithering’ output (quotes because no proof) like Firefox, Windows 10, etc. while covering an eye.” [https://ledstrain.org/d/1263-still-patching-daily-with-windows-10/3](https://ledstrain.org/d/1263-still-patching-daily-with-windows-10/3) [ryans](https://ledstrain.org/u/ryans) ”When covering one eye, the dizziness seems better when using the laptop internal display.” [https://ledstrain.org/d/1276-so-depressedlenovo-ideapad5-gives-eyestrain-and-nausea/8](https://ledstrain.org/d/1276-so-depressedlenovo-ideapad5-gives-eyestrain-and-nausea/8) [AGI](https://ledstrain.org/u/AGI) ”I have been using the eye patch not consistently, but quite often. Surprisingly, after struggling the first couple of times, I can now read quite easily without getting an headache.” From Private Message [SunnyD](https://ledstrain.org/u/SunnyD) “ I did the patching 3 weeks ago for about a week and it worked, but after about two weeks of no pain, it came back.” Post in this thread And so on … I didn’t had the time to find all users that had success with one eye …

@"mike"#p17776 It must be relatively common to have a mild binocular vision dysfunction, like a normal human variation. None of us is made perfectly. Or perhaps it develops after a TBi or as part of disease process (more recently, multiple sclerosis). It is unacceptable that modern display tech is made so carelessly. Having said that, I hope there is some truth to the theory. It will make it easier for us to get action in the future, especially if a link between flickering and BVD can be made. Importantly, it must be paired with capture card footage and analysis.

> @"mike"#p17776 So this is what i want people to try: > Look with both eyes open. > Keep an bad-screen-phone in your left hand, a bit to the left. > Put your right hand open and standing between your nose and your right eye. > > If you have done right, you can see things in the room with both eyes, but you can only see the phone with your left eye. Keep up training like this, and we will see if someone get some success. Can you explain this a bit more? I'm definitely interested in trying it, how long did you train per day with this method? And if I'm left eye dominant, I'd assume that I should do the reverse of this? (Look at bad screen with right eye) Anyway, thank you for creating this thread. This is a very interesting theory, and I'm definitely curious if this could potentially be the root cause to our issues.

> @"bkdo"#p17789 Can you explain this a bit more? I'm definitely interested in trying it, how long did you train per day with this method? And if I'm left eye dominant, I'd assume that I should do the reverse of this? (Look at bad screen with right eye) I am also left eye dominant, so you can follow my instructions. If you start with 5-10 minutes and that feels comfortable increase next time and so on. Find what works for you. I trained for an hour a day. > @"bkdo"#p17789 Anyway, thank you for creating this thread. This is a very interesting theory, and I'm definitely curious if this could potentially be the root cause to our issues. I am very grateful for this forum, so I am happy to help :)

Hey Mike add me in the list. I did the patching 3 weeks ago for about a week and it worked, but after about two weeks of no pain, it came back. Question to you, do you keep up with the training or did you stop training after not getting eye strain anymore?

@"mike"#p17797 Sounds like you've been training the dominant eye, have you had any luck training the non-dominant one as well?

@"bkdo"#p17799 For the most i have trained my dominant eye, always both eyes open! When i started training I didn’t know that i was training, i was just happy that i could use a newer iPhone without getting tension headache. After some weeks i tested with both eyes open, and I couldn’t believe that I didn’t got any tension headache. First step with training was iPhone 4S to 5S, that was easy. Then 5S to 7. Third was iPhone 7 to 11 Pro, that took around 9 months of training, and i gave up a few times on the way.

> @"SunnyD"#p17798 Hey Mike add me in the list. Now you are on the list :) > @"SunnyD"#p17798 I did the patching 3 weeks ago for about a week and it worked, but after about two weeks of no pain, it came back. > > Question to you, do you keep up with the training or did you stop training after not getting eye strain anymore? The first two years i trained a lot, the last year almost no training. But for some new screens I start to feel tension headache and then i train with one eye 30-60 minutes and then the screen works without tension headache.

When I was pushing through a lot of eye pain, my right would hurt really bad, so I would close it.

@"mike"#p17776 How do you know which is your dominant eye? My eye strain problem is pretty new, and I've only recently found this forum.

@"mike"#p17801 In the first two years you were training, how long were your training session? Also were you training both eyes?

One-Eye-Success for 10+ users on LEDStrain

AGI

logixoul astigmatism lenses (-0.25 both eyes) make it much more comfortable for you to look at screens

Dominic My double vision is fixed by astigmatism lenses

I have -0.25 astigmatism in my left eye. I have known for 10+ years but never tried glasses until a couple of years ago. I got a pair with astigmatism correction, a pinkish tint and blue light filter. I gave in 2-3 days later because of intense headaches and extra eyestrain even with screens that I could tolerate prior to buying the glasses.

I now got the doubt that I did not wait long enough. Questions. Did your eyes have to adjust to the new glasses or was the transition smooth? Prior to the astigmatism correction, did you have eyestrain when reading on paper as well?

logixoul When I'm not looking at a computer screen, my eyes take longer (or it is more difficult) to converge to a single point. For example, 0.8sec versus the 0.2sec that is normal for healthy people.

I too developed side effects from extreme eye-patching (many hours a day) while being subjected to intense eyestrain from new devices / LED lighting (I should add sleep deprivation). While my orthoptist, whom I am due to see in three weeks, told me that I could use an eye patch as long as I wanted, an optometrist recently recommended to avoid it. I will check again with the orthoptist on risks and benefits.

Dominic

AGI I felt relief immediately, however even after months of wearing astigmatism lenses my headache caused by them has not gone away. Prior to the astigmatism correction I had a slight eyestrain when reading on paper, but did not have eyestrain from good screens.

Maxx

mike Same experience. Now that I 3 months ago started to have problems with ALL displays, like TV as well, patching my right (non-dominant) eye helps if not removes the issue totally.

What is interesting is that I have tried to use my wife's OLED phone with 240Hz PWM eye-patched, and it does not either cause any discomfort.

So it is BVD or some spasm related, not a windows or display driver version problem for me. Hoping to get the problem that started 3 months ago to the level it was when I was able to tolerate some non-PWM screens.

cizeta

I have been either patching or closing my right eye for awhile now, and have noticed a decent reduction in eye fatigue with several screens.
Last time I went to an optometrist, many years ago, I had perfect 20/20 vision. I'm only in my 20s and still don't need glasses.
Just how often are screens dangerous enough to harm binocular vision, or vision in general?
From what I've read here, many of you have had vision problems for most of your life, but that's not me. I'm concerned certain screens are not just fatiguing my eyes, but damaging them as well.
I haven't had any noticeable issues with double vision or depth perception, but I want it to stay that way.

reaganry

eyepatching is +1 confirmation for the dithering 'magic eye' fake 3-D problem hypothesis.

ensete

I sill patch daily and to date it is the only effective treatment for me. I have been patching for a little less than a year, and I can tell that it is improving my resistance to screens even when not patched. My hope is after 3-4 years of patching, i may be unaffected

ensete

I have to say, over time, I am absolutely noticing a difference in my ability to tolerate Windows 10 without the patch. It is definitely increasing. It is agonizingly slow progress, but it is definite progress. The patching does seem to be training my brain to overcome my BVD. I can't believe it.

If after a few years this cures me ... just to think ... 20+ years of agonizing pain, flying all over the damn country to every specialist and snake oil salesman promising me a cure, a literal case in my closet full of useless lenses, devices, eye trainers, gels, creams, pills, filters, over $25,000 spent on this hellish journey ... and the cure turns out to be a 99 cent paper eye patch. I wouldn't know whether to laugh or cry.

ryans

ensete am absolutely noticing a difference in my ability to tolerate Windows 10 without the patch. It is definitely increasing. It is agonizingly slow progress, but it is definite progress.

Do you mind sharing specifics, like you can go 30 minutes without the patch whereas before it was intolerably etc? Would be interesting to see. Glad you are a feeling better.

ensete I wouldn't know whether to laugh or cry.

You are helping lots of people here. That won't give you the $25k back, but I hope it gives you some solace.

mike

ensete

Told you so! This is really great news, keep up the training and write about your experience with patching so more people on this forum will try it!

I have also looked back. About ten of my best years that I have lost to this problem, it really sucks. Now I feel that I can do everything, that’s a powerful feeling.

My conclusion, it’s better to look forward, and not back on things that is impossible to change.

ensete

ryans Do you mind sharing specifics, like you can go 30 minutes without the patch whereas before it was intolerably etc? Would be interesting to see. Glad you are a feeling better.

Previously I couldn't even go a second without getting triggered. Now, I can go a few minutes. It varies, some days its only 2-3 minutes, some days it's 5 or so minutes, but any minutes compared to 0 is amazing

HAL9000 After trying a brute force method of tolerating things which is not reallyt working I've got a couple cheap eye patches but how do I know which eye I should be covering?

For me, it was readily apparent that covering my right eye offered relief and covering my left eye did not.

HAL9000

Probably a stupid question and may have already been covered and I've just not seen it….(no pun intended)

After trying a brute force method of tolerating things which is not reallyt working I've got a couple cheap eye patches but how do I know which eye I should be covering?

I believe I have slight astigmatism in my right eye, so would my left eye be dominant?

Or should I be doing one eye for a little while then swap to the other?

xelaos

HAL9000

Already covered, but just try which one feel more comfortable or figure out which is your dominant eye and cover the other one - you can google a way to figure this out.

AGI

ensete For me, it was readily apparent that covering my right eye offered relief and covering my left eye did not.

How do you tell which is the "good" eye? Just by symptoms? Does your judgement match other diagnoses, that one eye is less shortsighted or astigmatic etc?

I am quite confused. After bringing up the content of this thread, my orthoptist gave me green light to patch. I was told to patch my dominant eye, but again based on discussions in this forum I am not sure I know which one is my dominant eye. Also, an optometrist discouraged me from using a patch at my age. It may cause more problems than benefits, he said.

mike

AGI I was told to patch my dominant eye

Try covering the non-dominant eye instead, that’s my recommendation.

AGI Also, an optometrist discouraged me from using a patch at my age.

I am 40+, have done a lot of covering my non-dominant eye the last years. I was told that it work on kids, so maybe I am still a kid or it works on adults also.

AGI my orthoptist

I would recommend visiting a specialist on BVD rather than a orthoptist. I have read about some people on this forum that have visit many orthoptist without any success, just waste of time and money.

AGI

mike Try covering the non-dominant eye instead, that’s my recommendation.

Thanks. But which is the dominant eye? How do I know?

Also, have you ever tried other exercises before the patch solution, such as exercises with loose prisms?

mike

AGI Thanks.

Happy to help!

AGI But which is the dominant eye? How do I know?

I you Google that, you will find some explanations/examples to find out which eye is your dominant.

AGI Also, have you ever tried other exercises before the patch solution, such as exercises with loose prisms?

I live in Sweden, as my orthoptist told me - “in Sweden we don’t believe in exercises, just glasses”. I have tried some exercise a bit that i found on the net, but didn’t think it got better. I think covering one eye is an exercise! I have tried some glasses with prism, but it was only a waste of money.

John615

AGI

To find your dominant eye, just point to something with your finger about ten feet away, like a door knob, with both eyes OPEN, then keep your finger there, and close your right eye, then your left eye. Now which eye keeps the finger on the door knob? That's your dominant eye. You can also make a circle with your hand, and try to center the door knob with both eyes OPEN, then close each eye and see which eye keeps the door knob in the center of the circle. Hope that explains it.

HAL9000

And people are wearing eyepatches with their glasses on or just closing one eye?

I tried this last night again but its difficult for me to use my glasses with the patch.

Also, it seems when I have one eye open / covered - and its the same with each eye, my glasses dont work well.

Together (both eyes open) I can see fine with my glasses, but I close one eye (either) and it gets a bit blurrier.

I dont know if this is expected but it makes it hard to use the path.

Perhaps I need another eye test.

ensete

HAL9000 I wear it under my glasses lense. It took about a week for the blurry vision you described to go away, and for the ability to regain clear site immediately after removing the path as well.

Monte So, here's crazy thing, this has massively reduced my eye strain to the point where I almost never have problems anymore. I appreciate the exercise I've described sounds odd and that it certainly wont work for everyone but I can confirm that it genuinely worked for me. I've gone from life ruining eye strain to almost issue free.

I'll give that a shot. I have a whole case of vision therapy equipment I could use for an exercise like that

ensete

HAL9000 Together (both eyes open) I can see fine with my glasses, but I close one eye (either) and it gets a bit blurrier.

Also, I noticed that if I close one eye, I get significantly LESS relief than wearing an eyepatch over an open eye.

Monte

@mike

I've tried the eye tracking exercises prescribed to me by an orthoptist many times in the past with no success. Then one day, inspired by reading your posts here I tried a slightly modified version of the prescribed exercise. I took a wooden medical spatula and drew a dot at the top. Then I cut out a piece of card 5cm by 5cm or so. I placed the card about 6inches in front of my left (non-dominant eye) then held the spatula 12 inches away and going from left to right and back back again I tracked the dot. As the dot went behind the card (obscured for my left eye but not the right) I could feel my left eye muscles contract and as it passed back into full view of both eyes they would relax again. I repeated this a couple of dozen times a day.

So, here's crazy thing, this has massively reduced my eye strain to the point where I almost never have problems anymore. I appreciate the exercise I've described sounds odd and that it certainly wont work for everyone but I can confirm that it genuinely worked for me. I've gone from life ruining eye strain to almost issue free.

So, I just wanted to share my experience in the hope that maybe it will work for others and to say thanks Mike! If it hadn't been for your posts here I would never have found the solution that finally worked for me.

mike

Monte

Wow, this i just fantastic! Really good news, so happy to hear about your progress.

I hope someone else will try your exercise … (i should ping 10+ users here)

@martin what do you think of this exercise?

martin

Monte could you please describe it more in my email? I want to make a post about it on my blog heteroforie.webnode.cz, as it will eventually get lost here. Thank you

AGI

Monte Maybe I am asking too much, but if you still have the "tools" in question at hand and you could take a photo / give a pictorial description of what you did, that would be great.

Especially, there is one point I am not getting. Did your eyes' muscles relax when both eyes were at work or vice versa? I would expect that, if your problem was BVD, the tension decreased when you used only one eye. Can you shed light? I am probably misinterpreting your words.

Anyhow, impressive and encouraging result! Cheers.

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