If you or your child keeps bumping into tables, stumbling on the stairs, or avoids playing sports, the source of the problem could be binocular vision dysfunction (BVD)— a condition caused by even a slight misalignment of the eyes.
If you suspect your child may have a vision problem, contact in Mascoutah today. Our highly skilled eye doctors will evaluate your child's eyes and visual skills and provide effective treatment if needed.
What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?
Let’s start with binocular vision, the ability for both eyes to work as a team.
Each of our eyes produces a distinct image of everything we see. Effective binocular vision allows the brain to merge these two images into a single, clear 3D picture.
If a person’s eyes are even slightly misaligned, they send two different images to the brain. The brain then struggles to fuse the images and tells the eye muscles to push the eyes into the correct alignment. Often, the muscles can’t overcome the misalignment, resulting in debilitating symptoms. This is called Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD).
BVD can occur at any age but often begins in childhood. Both children and adults can benefit from treatment.
Binocular Vision Dysfunction Symptoms
The following are common symptoms of BVD:
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Dizziness or motion sickness
- Lack of coordination or clumsiness
- Depth perception problems
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Nausea
- Light sensitivity
Binocular Vision Dysfunction Treatment in Mascoutah
Our optometrist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam first to evaluate your eye health and to determine whether you require any optical corrections. The eye doctor will then analyze your eye alignment via a neuro-visual examination to assess for BVD.
If our Mascoutah optometrist identifies misaligned eyes as the root issue, we'll offer a number of treatments that will surely enhance your child's quality of life, by providing increased physical stability and balance.
The two most effective ways to treat BVD are:
- Prism lenses
- Vision therapy
Prism lenses work by enabling your brain to fuse two pictures into one clear image. Since the eye muscles no longer need to strain to compensate for misalignment, prismatic lenses can relieve common BVD symptoms like eyestrain, headaches and dizziness.
Vision therapy treats the underlying cause of BVD by training your eyes to work together and communicate more efficiently with your brain. Our optometrist will design a customized program of exercises to improve your child's visual skills. You and/or your child will visit once a week, or as recommended by the eye doctor, and will practice the prescribed exercises at home. Many BVD patients find that their symptoms disappear or improve significantly after a course of vision therapy.
If you suspect that you or your child have BVD, we can help. Simply schedule an appointment with in Mascoutah today.
Our practice serves patients from Mascoutah, Belleville, O'Fallon, and Edwardsville, Illinois and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions with Dr. McDaniel
Q: What causes binocular vision dysfunction?
A: BVD can result from:
- Stroke or brain injury
- Neurological conditions
- Facial asymmetry
- Eye muscle problems
Q: Does binocular vision dysfunction affect driving?
A: Yes. BVD can affect your ability to drive due to symptoms like motion sickness, dizziness, double and/or blurred vision. It can make it difficult to see the road or signs clearly. If you have BVD, it may not be safe to drive. We recommend you speak with your optometrist regarding whether or not you should continue to operate a vehicle.
