What you need to know By Dr. Kandi Moller, Owner of Eye Candy Optical and the Myopia Control & Treatment Center in Uptown, Neurovisual Medicine Specialist, Mother to @gumdropthepig In the wondrous realm of sight, our eyes play an intricate symphony, allowing us to perceive the world in its full three-dimensional glory. However, for some, this symphony doesn't always play in perfect harmony. Glitches in this system can lead to discomfort. For individuals with binocular vision dysfunction (BVD), this phenomenon can be particularly challenging.
Binocular vision dysfunction refers to the misalignment between both eyes. At least 20 percent of people suffer from it; 50 percent who have had a TBI or concussion. Symptoms can be mild or debilitating and cause issues like double vision, eye strain, dizziness, anxiety, difficulty focusing and motion sickness.
Imagine being in a moving vehicle. If your eyes don't work together due to binocular vision dysfunction, conflicting signals are sent to your brain. This discrepancy between sight and the inner ear's motion sensing can confuse the brain, causing motion sickness and its associated discomfort and nausea.
The visual inconsistencies caused by misaligned eyes can disrupt the brain's ability to accurately perceive motion and spatial orientation. This discrepancy between what the eyes perceive and what the body experiences can lead to a feeling of motion sickness and nausea. Activities such as reading, using digital devices or even moving in visually busy environments can trigger these symptoms.
Remember, it’s not just motion sickness that can be caused by BVD. Are you bumping into things? Feel like your depth perception is off? Have difficulty in open spaces or large stores? Avoid crowds or driving because you can't handle the movement around you? Popping pill after pill for headaches or neck pain?
It's important to note that while these issues can be associated with BVD, there are various other potential causes that should be considered and ruled out by a health care professional.
If you or someone you know experiences any or all of these symptoms, it's essential to seek evaluation by an optometrist trained in binocular vision dysfunction to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate management. A standard vision exam will NOT be adequate to diagnose and treat BVD, nor will a Neurolens machine be capable of finding subtle misalignment.
A fast, free, simple quiz can tell you if you or someone you love may be suffering from binocular vision dysfunction. Take your quiz at CoulditBeMyEyes.com/eye-candy-optical. We will contact you and help you figure out your next steps.