Approximately 10% to 20% of the population suffers from Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD), and most don’t even realize it.
For people with BVD, the struggle is real. Everyday tasks like driving and reading can be challenging.
What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?
For patients with BVD, the eyes are slightly out of alignment, which makes it very hard for them to line up in the position needed to achieve one clear, focused image. As a result of this misalignment, a lot of stress and strain is put on the eye muscles as they struggle to correct the problem.
BVD can cause uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating physical symptoms to arise, including headaches, nausea, dizziness and disorientation. Many people go to the doctor seeking treatment for dizziness or even vertigo treatment, not realizing that the root of the problem is their eyes rather than their vestibular system. It’s also common for people with BVD to have difficulties with reading and reading comprehension. What makes it so hard for this condition to be diagnosed is the fact that some patients have only one of the symptoms of BVD, while others have multiple symptoms.
The Causes & Symptoms of BVD
There are a variety of factors that can lead to the development of BVD, including head trauma, facial asymmetry, asymmetry that develops with age, and injuries that cause damage to the nerves that control the eye muscles. BVD can also be genetic, though it often doesn’t manifest until later in life. It can be tough to diagnose a binocular vision disorder such as vertical heterophoria because its symptoms can also be associated with other neurological, vestibular and eye disorders. These symptoms include:
- Motion sickness
- Nausea
- Pain in the upper neck & back
- Pain in the face & eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Problems with balance & coordination
- Limited depth perception
Treating Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)
If you suspect that you or your child may have BVD, the first step is to schedule an eye exam with Virginia Vision Therapy Center. We’ll provide effective BVD treatment so you can get back to living a higher quality of life.