Binocular vision dysfunction, also called BVD, refers to a group of conditions where both eyes find it hard to work together as a team. As a result, misalignment between the line of sight occurs. Vision misalignment, whether vertical, horizontal, or both, can significantly impact your everyday life. You may struggle with reading, driving, and carrying out work tasks and activities that you enjoy. So, how do you know if you are affected by BVD?

How Does Binocular Vision Dysfunction Develop?

A complex process that involves both your visual and neurological systems provides you the ability to see the world. Binocular vision, in particular, refers to how your eyes work together to create a three-dimensional (3-D) perception of your environment. Your eyes and your central nervous system have to converge and diverge to allow you to process visual details and see a clear, single, 3-D image.

Perfect alignment of your eyes is one of the many requirements to have a healthy vision. Your eyes need to be perfectly aligned to let you see one clear picture, instead of double images. Your brain will not allow double images. So, it will try to correct the issue by forcing the tiny muscles in your eyes to control its movements and offset the problem. It does fix the misalignment. However, it results in an enormous strain on your eye muscles, thus causing BVD.

Warning Signs of Binocular Vision Dysfunction

The strain on your eye muscles as an attempt of your brain to correct vision misalignment can cause a wide variety of problems. These complications are linked to dizziness, lightheadedness, migraines, and disorientation. While the severity and frequency of these manifestations can vary, many things often trigger the dysfunction. These include driving around curves or on the freeway with vehicles rushing by. Other triggers are vast spaces with high ceilings and tilting your head up and down or moving it sideways. Additional signs that would suggest BVD include:

• Double vision.

• Layered or shadowed vision.

• Nausea caused by dizziness.

• Throbbing headaches.

• Pain in the jaw area or sinus region.

• Neck and shoulder discomfort due to a head tilt.

• Gradually moving to the side while walking.

• Walking reluctantly as you find a balanced gait.

• Frequently stepping on objects due to unsure footing.

• Reading and learning problems because the words seem to blend or move on the page.

• Difficulty meeting someone else’s eyes, especially if they move their hands or body a lot.

• Having trouble concentrating whenever someone is talking to you.

• Problems with your sleeping pattern because of extreme light sensitivity as well as dizziness and disorientation caused by eye movements while you attempt to drift off.

• Issues associated with double vision and layered, overlapping, shadowed vision.

Do you want to find out if your symptoms stem from binocular vision dysfunction? Contact Positive Eye Ons Optometry today in West Hollywood, California, to learn more about your condition and our top-notch eye care services. Call us now at (323) 651-5636 to schedule an appointment.