Binocular Vision Dysfunction is a condition where two eyes have issues working in unison. This results in impaired vision like misalignment between the line of sight of one eye with the other one. Also known as BVD, Binocular Vision Dysfunction can also cause double vision or diplopia. Similarly, it can cause eyestrain since both eyes are functioning harder to work together as a team.
What are the causes of BVD?
BVD can be caused by brain injuries. These include concussion and stroke, along with TBI. They can also be caused by congenital problems and may affect anyone at any age. Vertical heterophoria (HV) is considered an offshoot or subset of BVD. VH occurs when there is a lack of coordination between both eyes’ alignment mechanisms. Your optical vision and balance can be thrown off due to BVD.
Similarly, double-vision can set in for longer periods if not treated by an eye care specialist. Sufferers have to strain themselves to restore both eyes into the same line of sight for vision correction. However, this is only temporary and the issue will recur if not taken care of in a timely, professional manner.
What symptoms are associated with BVD?
There are several symptoms associated with BVD. These include blurry or double vision, along with dizziness and migraines. Headaches may vary in terms of radiating pain, but do tend to correlate with eyestrain and overuse of the eye muscles. You can also experience horizontal or vertical double-vision, as well as neck pain, anxiety, and difficulty with proper coordination and balance. While the oculomotor system may seem to correct this vision issue on its own, symptoms of BVD and VH will come back. You may experience dizziness and even lack of mental clarity.
Some patients enough have to tilt their heads to secure proper vision. Similarly, others look down to realign images, which they cannot normally do when their heads are upright. This causes neck pain and is only temporary solutions to this growing problem.
Is there a cure for BVD?
There is no formal optical cure for Binocular Vision Dysfunction. However, most patients fill out a Quality of Vision form during their eye examinations. The optometrist will determine if the patient needs vision correction for farsightedness, nearsightedness, or both. The physician will also check for astigmatism and other abnormalities in the eyes. Once the exam is completed, the eye care specialist will fit the patient with new glasses that have prism correction in them. The next step is to get the actual prescription or RX script and purchase your new pair of glasses. The latter may include reading glasses or regular glasses depending on the exam’s vision results.
If you are experiencing vision alignment issues, chances are you may have BVD. One of the main symptoms to look for is a double vision when trying to view an object up close or far away. This misalignment causes the eye muscles to overcompensate and overcorrect the eyes to realign them. However, the blurriness or double-vision will only be gone temporarily. They are sure to return the next day so treatment is essential in securing lasting results and vision correction.