What Does Binocular Vision Dysfunction Look Like?

Our eyes do so much more than see far-away scenes and close up-objects. The eyes work along with the brain to receive and process incoming light and images into the things we see. They work as a team, converting two separate pictures into one image. This process is called binocular vision. 

When your eyes don’t work together in perfect unison, this condition is called binocular vision dysfunction or BVD. It not only affects your vision but can also hamper other aspects of your life. Read on as Annapolis, MD vision therapy optometrist discusses BVD and the ways it can impact your everyday life.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction – How Does It Work?

Eye alignment plays a central role in determining how well two eyes work together. When this alignment is off just a little bit, binocular vision dysfunction is present.

Instead of transmitting a single image, your eyes send two slightly different images to your brain when they’re misaligned. When this happens, your brain responds by forcing your eye muscles to work harder to realign the images. While this works in the short term, it doesn’t correct the underlying problem. 

The extra work your eyes have to do takes a toll, causing a range of other uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Eyestrain
• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Dry eyes
• Difficulty with glare or reflection
• Light sensitivity 

BVD Effects in Other Areas

Standard vision tests measure visual acuity or how clearly you see close up and far away. Unfortunately, these tests don’t measure functional aspects of vision, like binocular vision dysfunction. Consequently, many people may struggle with symptoms of BVD and not know it. 

Symptoms of binocular vision dysfunction vary from person to person and can have widespread effects, including:

• Reading 
• causes eye fatigue
• makes it hard to concentrate
• Letters appear to shimmer and even move
• Comprehension problems
• Mental fatigue
• Inner Ear Symptoms
• Coordination problems
• Dizziness
• Motion sickness
• Disorientation
• Light-headedness
• Unsteady gait 
• Psychological and Emotional
• Feelings of anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Short attention span
• Difficulty staying on task
• Driving
• Feeling anxious when driving
• Dizziness
• Problems estimating distances 

• Pain Symptoms
• Neck
• Upper back
• Shoulders 
• Face 

Keep in mind that many of the above symptoms may be caused by other health problems. On the other hand, testing for binocular vision syndrome isn’t commonplace, and many people have been misdiagnosed as a result.

If you have more questions or wish to schedule a consultation, please feel free to call our Annapolis, MD vision therapy optometry office today.