monocular vision with the non dominate eye

[JamesAlos]

I am 21 years old and had an occular trauma right eye 3 months ago that cause a giant retinal tear.When i was 2 years old i had a lazy eye (left eye).My parents patched the dominated eye(right eye) then but i wanst cooperated with the patch so i had to wear glasses at the age of 2.Then left eye wasnt lazy with glasses anymore but when i didnt wear glasses it was lazy again.I had also farsighdness +5,50 left eye +5,00 right eye.So i was wearing glasses from the age of 2 since i become 19.At 19 i had a LASIK surgury.Everything went well i have 8/10 vision at the left eye and 9/10 to the right eye since then.But my problems starts now.My question are those:

1)If i lost all my vision to my right eye(trauma eye) because of an RD will be the left eye ok for a normal living?

2)Will the brain adjust and learn to use this eye?

3)Whats the prognosis for monocular vision if you lose your dominate eye?

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

There are some reports of vision in the lazy (amblyopic) eye improving after loss of vision in the better eye.  The brain is remarkably plastic and able to adjust, especially in a young patient.  Even though you had LASIK, I would strongly recommend safety glasses (polycarbonate lenses) to protect your eyes.  You should have periodic dilated retinal exams to monitor your eyes.  It seems that you have fairly good vision in your left eye, which will serve you well if something happens to the right eye.  Many people function very well throughout life with one eye.  

[JamesAlos]

Thank you very much for your reply doctor.I really needed those answers.