Binocular Vision Dysfunction: What is It and How is It Treated?

Binocular vision dysfunction, also known as BVD, is a condition where your eyes are not properly aligned or coordinated, leading to a range of visual and neurological symptoms. When your eyes are not working together as they should, it can cause a variety of problems, from headaches and eye strain to dizziness and difficulty with depth perception.
 

BVD can occur when the eyes are not able to maintain proper alignment and focus, either due to a structural issue or a neurological problem. This can happen when the muscles that control the movement and focus of your eyes are not working in harmony, causing your eyes to strain to maintain proper alignment.

Causes of Binocular Vision Dysfunction

There are several potential causes of binocular vision dysfunction, including:
 

• Refractive Errors: Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can contribute to BVD by causing your eyes to have difficulty focusing properly.
• Eye Muscle Imbalances: If the muscles that control the movement and focus of your eyes are not working in coordination, it can lead to BVD.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Head injuries, such as concussions, can damage the neural pathways that control eye movement and focus, leading to BVD.
• Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, can affect the way your eyes work together, resulting in BVD.
• Developmental Issues: Some individuals are born with a predisposition to BVD, often due to structural or developmental differences in the way their eyes and brain work together.

Symptoms of Binocular Vision Dysfunction

The symptoms of binocular vision dysfunction can vary widely, but some of the most common include:
 

• Headaches
• Eye strain
• Blurred or double vision
• Difficulty with depth perception
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Motion sickness
• Difficulty with reading or focusing on tasks
• Sensitivity to light or glare

These symptoms can be particularly problematic in situations where you need to rely on your vision, such as when driving, working at a computer, or participating in sports or other activities.
 

Diagnosing Binocular Vision Dysfunction

If you suspect that you may be experiencing binocular vision dysfunction, it's important to seek a comprehensive eye examination from an optometrist. They will be able to perform a series of tests and assessments to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Some of the tests that may be used to diagnose BVD include:
 

• Visual acuity testing
• Refraction testing
• Eye movement and alignment assessments
• Binocular vision testing
• Neurological and vestibular (balance) evaluations

By thoroughly evaluating your vision and overall eye health, your optometrist can identify the specific factors contributing to your BVD and develop a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs.
 

Treatment Options for Binocular Vision Dysfunction

There are several different treatment options available for binocular vision dysfunction, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. 
 

Neurolens is a revolutionary treatment option for binocular vision dysfunction that is designed to address the underlying causes of the condition. These specialized lenses are custom-designed to help correct the misalignment of your eyes, reducing the strain on the muscles that control eye movement and focus.
 

Neurolens lenses work by incorporating a small amount of prism into the lens design, which helps to realign your eyes and reduce the strain on the eye muscles. This can help to alleviate a wide range of symptoms associated with BVD, including headaches, eye strain, dizziness, and difficulty with depth perception.
 

One of the key benefits of Neurolens lenses is that they are a non-invasive, customizable treatment option that can be tailored to your specific needs. Your eye doctor can work with you to determine the optimal lens design and prescription to address your unique symptoms and visual needs.
 

In addition to Neurolens lenses, vision therapy is another effective treatment option for binocular vision dysfunction. Vision therapy involves a series of specialized exercises and activities designed to improve the coordination and function of your eyes and brain.
 

During vision therapy, you'll work with a trained vision therapist to perform a variety of exercises and activities that are tailored to your specific needs. By engaging in these exercises, you can help to retrain the way your eyes and brain work together, improving your visual function and reducing the symptoms of binocular vision dysfunction.
 

Vision therapy is typically a multi-session process, with each session building upon the previous one. Your optometrist will work closely with you to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal results.
 

Navigating BVD with the Help of eye&I™ Today

Binocular vision dysfunction can be a challenging and frustrating condition, but with the right treatment and support, it is possible to manage the symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
 

Whether you choose to pursue Neurolens lenses, vision therapy, or a combination of treatment approaches, it's important to work closely with your optometrist to develop a customized plan that addresses your unique needs and concerns.
 

If you are struggling with symptoms of binocular vision dysfunction, schedule an appointment with eye&I™. We can help you explore the treatment options that are best suited to your individual needs and get you on the path to better vision and improved overall well-being. Visit our office in Great Neck, New York, or call (516) 344-5662 to book an appointment today.