Binocular Vision Dysfunction & Adults
What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?
Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) is a condition that occurs when the eyes are misaligned. Eye misalignment causes confusion within the visual system, as the brain is unable to easily combine the two images the eyes are sending. The eye misalignment makes it very difficult to see a single, clear and 3D image.
BVD can be caused by a brain injury, stroke, or neurological disorder, or can develop as a result of facial asymmetry or a nerve or muscle dysfunction.
Common Symptoms of BVD
BVD causes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Up to 70% of men and women with BVD suffer from persistent headaches, while 30% suffer from anxiety triggered by unexplained dizziness and disorientation.
BVD symptoms generally surface during prolonged near vision tasks. Reading, working on the computer, or even scrolling on your smartphone can all bring on the following symptoms:
- Eye strain
- Eye fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Poor depth perception
- Headaches and migraines
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Imbalance
- Anxiety
- Reduced attention span
- Neck, upper back, shoulder pain
How Does BVD Affect Work Performance?
Persistent headaches or frequent episodes of dizziness, nausea or anxiety can significantly affect your work performance.
BVD symptoms can also increase your stress and anxiety when the condition harms your ability to work.
Many adults affected by BVD visit several doctors in search of a diagnosis. Fortunately, a neuro-optometrist can diagnose BVD and other visual disorders.
Contact The Vision Therapy Center at to obtain an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Is it Safe to Drive with BVD?
Altered depth perception, blurred vision, double vision and dizziness can make it difficult to accurately judge distances and read road signs, and can also disrupt your concentration while driving.
If your symptoms are affecting your safety or confidence on the road, avoid driving and contact The Vision Therapy Center at to schedule a functional vision evaluation as soon as possible.
How Is BVD Diagnosed?
A standard eye exam may detect significant eye misalignment, but does not generally test for the slight misalignments that often cause BVD. Therefore, if you are suffering from persistent headaches, dizziness, double vision or any other BVD symptoms, it is important to schedule a functional vision evaluation with a neuro-optometrist.
A neuro-optometrist will measure the strength of your visual skills and how well your eyes work together as a team. This will enable detection of even the most subtle misalignment adversely affecting your quality of life.
How Is BVD Treated?
Your neuro-optometrist will prescribe micro-prism lenses that can be added to your regular lens prescription. These specialized lenses improve eye alignment for clearer, more comfortable vision.
Prism lenses work by bending light in a way that ‘tricks’ the eyes into believing that an object is positioned in a different location. Prism lenses take the strain off the eye muscles, thereby alleviating headaches, dizziness and any other BVD symptoms you may be experiencing.
If you think BVD may be affecting your quality of life, contact The Vision Therapy Center at today for a functional eye exam.
The Vision Therapy Center at serves patients from CITY 1, CITY 2, CITY 3, and CITY 4, as well as our surrounding communities.