Vol.1 Which is your dominant eye?
Does a set of eyes have a “dominant eye” such as the “dominant hand” or “dominant foot”? The eyes also have a “dominant eye,” and it is easy to find out. In this section, we discuss the dominant eye. | ![]() |
What is the dominant eye?
As with the hands and feet, the dominant eye is used most often. A human sees objects three-dimensionally, with the dominant eye as the axis and the other eye complementing the dominant eye. The dominant eye is typically used without conscious awareness; however, it may be consciously used in sports and other activities (explained in the next section).
What is the difference between the two eyes?
The dominant eye is the eye that is used most often for seeing. For example, when standing in a batter’s box in baseball, it is easier to follow the movement of the ball if the dominant eye faces the side of the pitcher. In figure skating, it is said to be better to rotate toward the dominant eye. It is also believed that when aiming at an object, such as a dart, it is better to use the dominant eye.
How can you tell which eye is dominant?

The dominant eye can be easily identified through a simple test.
- Look closely at an object a few meters away. (For example, look at a clock on the wall.)
- While continuing to look, point to the object that you are looking at. (Your fingers are out of focus, so they should appear blurred.)
- In this state, close and open one eye at a time, alternately.
One eye points firmly at what you are looking at and the other eye points slightly off-direction. The eye pointing firmly is the “dominant eye.”
Why is there a dominant eye?
It has been hypothesized that this phenomenon may be related to human evolution and the brain.
Based on archaeological data, we can infer that 5,000 years ago, 90% of humans were right-handed. Going back in time, proto-humans from 2 to 2.5 million years ago were 59% right-handed, as inferred from stone tool making. When studying monkeys and chimpanzees, which are 50% right-handed and 50% left-handed, to trace the evolution of humans further back in time, we find that 50% of them are right-handed and 50% left-handed.
Why has right-handedness become more common as humans evolved? The following theories are considered: When we look at an object or move our hands, the opposite side of the brain sends commands to the other side of the body. For example, when we move our right hand, the left brain sends instructions. However, the area controlling language is located in the left hemisphere of the brain. Through evolution, humans have learned to speak.
The tools we used also evolved, and we went from living in caves to building houses and large structures, such as pyramids. To use complex tools and work together, they had to think in their minds and convert their thoughts into words to communicate with their peers. It is believed that the development of words and tools strengthened the left brain, which contains the language area, and, as a result, the motor skills of the right hand increased. For the same reason as with hands, this may explain why the right eye is the dominant eye in a higher percentage of cases.
What about those who are left-eye dominant or left-hand dominant? The right brain is considered superior in spatial, musical, and emotional information processing. Left-handed geniuses are said to be more likely to be in art; therefore, they may be more artistically gifted.
Reference: “Invitation to Left-Right Studies,” by Kenichi Nishiyama, published by Fuutosha Publishing Co.
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