Ocular Dominance - Determination of Ocular Dominance

Determination of Ocular Dominance

A person's dominant eye "is determined by subjective alignment of two objects presented at a stereodisparity far beyond Panum's area". There are a number of ways to do this:

1. The Miles test. The observer extends both arms, brings both hands together to create a small opening, then with both eyes open views a distant object through the opening. The observer then alternates closing the eyes or slowly draws opening back to the head to determine which eye is viewing the object (i.e. the dominant eye).
2. The Porta test. The observer extends one arm, then with both eyes open aligns the thumb or index finger with a distant object. The observer then alternates closing the eyes or slowly draws the thumb/finger back to the head to determine which eye is viewing the object (i.e. the dominant eye) .
3. The Dolman method also known as the hole-in-the-card test. The subject is given a card with a small hole in the middle, instructed to hold it with both hands, then instructed to view a distant object through the hole with both eyes open. The observer then alternates closing the eyes or slowly draws the opening back to the head to determine which eye is viewing the object (i.e. the dominant eye).
4. The convergence near-point test. The subject fixates an object that is moved toward the nose until divergence of one eye occurs (i.e. the non-dominant eye). It is an objective test of ocular dominance.
5. Certain stereograms .
6. The Pinhole test.
7. The Ring test.

Forced choice tests of dominance, such as the Dolman method, allow only a right or left eye result.