Is there something wrong with my eyes?

[TylerBoland]

When I was young I had a weak muscle in my right eye( can't remember the exact name), my eye would drift randomly when I was tired and I had trouble reading without covering the eye. I had corrective surgery when I was around 7 years old. I am now 17 and have been noticing that my left eye is used to see most of my surroundings while my right eye is used only for the right corner.

Some other things I've noticed:

*My left eye always sees my nose, while my right does not.
*When I went to get my drivers license renewed they made me take a quick eye exam, I could'nt see the other half of the letters unless I closed my left eye.

Sorry if you have trouble understanding this, it's kind of hard to explain.

[Sandra M Brown, MD]

You are giving a great description of a condition called monofixation (sometimes also called microstrabismus), which you can read about on line.  You probably had exotropia (outward drifting of the eye) which was corrected with surgery but as you get older your eye alignment is shifting.  Definitely you should see a pediatric ophthalmologist (not any other kind) who can give you a clear diagnosis and talk about your treatment options.  Find one at www.aapos.org.

[TylerBoland]

Yes, it was exotropia I had surgery for. I forgot to mention that when I try to read something that is close to me, such as a computer screen or a book, my right eye will start to have a straining pain. I will sometimes have this same pain for a few minutes when I try to fall asleep. The pain isnt unbearable, but it is annoying and distracting.

I have an appointment with an ophthalmologist next week, if I am diagnosed with monofixation what options are there for treatment. I can't seem to find much information online.

Thank you for your time,
                                           Tyler