Dominant Eye

Eye dominance refers to the tendency to prefer visual input from one eye over the other when aiming, focusing, or judging depth — much like being right- or left-handed, except it has no connection to which hand you actually favor. Most people have a dominant eye without realizing it, and it plays a role in activities like using a camera, aiming a sports shot, or how you naturally tilt your head to look through something. The classic way to check it is the pointing test (also called the Miles test): point at a distant object with both eyes open, then close one eye at a time — whichever eye, left open on its own, keeps your finger aligned with the object is your dominant eye.

For an accurate at-home screening:

Keep your arm and finger completely still once you’ve aimed at the target
Only close one eye at a time — don’t squint or partially close the other
Sit or stand at a comfortable distance from your screen
Repeat the test if your result comes back inconclusive

Keep in mind that eye dominance is a normal trait, not a vision problem, and this self-reported test is intended for awareness only — not a medical diagnosis.

Dominant Eye Test

Most people unconsciously rely on one eye more than the other for aiming and depth perception. This is called eye dominance, and it's unrelated to which hand you write with. This test takes about a minute and uses your own pointing to find your dominant eye.

You'll need one hand free to point with, and enough space to hold your arm out toward the screen.

Step 1 · Point at the Target

With both eyes open, stretch your arm out and point your finger at the target below, as if you were aiming at it. Line it up so the target sits right behind your fingertip.

Keep pointing — don't move your finger

Step 2 · Close Your Left Eye

Keeping your arm and finger exactly where they are, close your left eye only (right eye stays open). Look at the target below through your right eye.

Does your finger still appear to point directly at the target?

Keep pointing — don't move your finger

Step 3 · Now Close Your Right Eye

Open your left eye again, then close your right eye only (left eye stays open). Keep your finger exactly where it was.

Does your finger still appear to point directly at the target?

Your Result

Your dominant eye appears to be your

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Try Another Eye Test

⚠️ For awareness only, not medical advice. Eye dominance is a normal trait, not a vision problem, and this self-reported test is a simplified version of the classic pointing (Miles) method. Results can vary depending on how carefully the steps are followed.