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.