Understanding Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD): Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
At A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy, we offer special care for complex vision problems. This includes binocular vision dysfunction (BVD).
This name is a general term. It includes disorders of the visual system. These disorders affect how the eyes work together. The word "bi" means two, and "ocular" means eyes.
These conditions can cause a lot of discomfort and affect daily activities. However, with the right assessment and treatment, relief is possible.
What is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?
Binocular vision refers to how both eyes work together to create a single, clear image. When the eyes slightly misalign or struggle to coordinate effectively, people refer to this as binocular vision dysfunction. The condition forces your visual system to overcompensate, leading to a range of symptoms.
Causes of Binocular Vision Dysfunction
BVD can result from several factors, including:
- Congenital Misalignment: A slight misalignment present from birth.
- Idiopathic: A misalignment that happens for no apparent reason
- Trauma or Injury: Head injuries, such as concussions, can disrupt the connection between the eyes and brain.
- Neurological Disorders: Some conditions affecting the nervous system can also impact eye alignment.
- Visual Overload: Prolonged screen time or excessive near work can exacerbate symptoms.
Symptoms of Binocular Vision Dysfunction
Symptoms of BVD are often varied and may be mistaken for other conditions. Common complaints include:
- Frequent headaches or migraines, especially after reading or screen use
- Difficulty focusing on tasks up close
- Blurred or double vision
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Light sensitivity
- Eye strain or discomfort
- Motion sickness
- Poor depth perception
- Difficulty driving, especially at night
These symptoms can interfere with learning, productivity, and overall quality of life.
The Role of a Visual Skills Assessment (Binocular Vision Assessment)
At A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy, we provide a Visual Skills Assessment. People also call this a Binocular Vision Assessment. It helps us diagnose and understand BVD accurately. This detailed evaluation goes beyond a standard eye exam and includes:
- Eye Alignment Testing: Measuring how well your eyes are aligned at various distances.
- Vergence Ranges: This measures how well your eyes move together. It also checks how long they can work together over time.
- Accommodation Testing: Evaluating focusing ability and flexibility.
- Fusion and Stereopsis Testing: Determining the quality of depth perception and eye coordination.
- Symptom Quantification: Identifying and scoring the severity of symptoms to track progress.
By doing this assessment, we can find the cause of your symptoms. Then, we can create a treatment plan just for you. This plan will help you feel and see better.
How We Treat Binocular Vision Dysfunction
Once BVD is diagnosed, we offer evidence-based treatments tailored to your needs:
- Prism Glasses: These special lenses realign the visual system, reducing strain and symptoms.
- Vision Therapy: A series of structured exercises designed to improve the coordination between the eyes and brain.
- Reading Glasses: These lenses help to reduce the amount of effort required to read and focus.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Strategies to reduce visual stress, such as optimizing lighting and screen time habits.
For those with concussion-induced BVD, we also provide targeted vision rehabilitation programs to support recovery.
Why a Visual Skills Assessment is Essential
Many patients with BVD have struggled for years without a proper diagnosis. A Visual Skills Assessment is not the same as an eye exam.
It helps find the cause of your visual discomfort or vision problems so diagnosing and treating becomes more accurate. This assessment is the first step toward feeling better. By understanding the specific challenges your visual system faces, our team can create a roadmap for improvement.
At A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy, we’re passionate about helping patients achieve clear, comfortable vision. If you have symptoms of BVD or want to learn how a Visual Skills Assessment can help, request your assessment here.