Curious if you or someone you know might have binocular vision dysfunction? Looking for answers? You’re in the right place! Our Melbourne-based optometry clinic has extensive experience in managing binocular vision issues. With so many questions coming our way, we’ve compiled and answered the 5 most frequently asked ones in this blog. Let’s dive in!
What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?
Binocular vision dysfunction refers to a range of conditions where the eyes struggle to work together seamlessly as a team. Often called “eye muscle problems” or “eye teaming issues” by optometrists, it’s more common than you might think—affecting 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives. Efficient binocular vision is key to maintaining clear, comfortable single vision and effortlessly shifting focus between near and far tasks without losing clarity or concentration.
What Does Binocular Vision Dysfunction Feels Like?
Binocular vision dysfunction can impact our life beyond vision. Below is a list of the common symptoms that can be associated with binocular vision dysfunction:
Visual Symptoms
- Double Vision (Diplopia): Seeing two images of a single object.
- Blurry Vision: Difficulty achieving or maintaining clear vision, especially during or between prolonged tasks.
- Difficulty Reading: Skipping lines, losing place, or struggling with comprehension.
- Eyestrain (Asthenopia): Discomfort or fatigue in the eyes after reading, screen use, or other visual tasks.
- Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): Discomfort or pain caused by bright lights.
- Frequent Eye Rubbing: Especially after focusing tasks, indicating strain.
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches: Often around the forehead, linked to eye strain.
- Motion Sickness: Especially associated with reading in the car.
- Nausea: Often linked to dizziness or difficulty focusing.
- Neck and Shoulder Pain: Caused by poor posture due to head tilting or straining to focus.
Cognitive Symptoms
- Difficulty Concentrating: Reduced focus during tasks requiring visual attention, such as reading or using screens.
- Poor Depth Perception: Challenges judging distances, leading to clumsiness or difficulty with tasks like driving or sports.
Behavioral Symptoms
- Closing or Covering One Eye: To reduce symptoms of double vision or visual discomfort.
- Avoidance of Visual Tasks: Reluctance to engage in reading, homework, or screen time due to discomfort.
Emotional Symptoms
- Fatigue or Frustration: Often caused by prolonged struggle with visual discomfort.
- Anxiety or Panic: Especially in busy environments requiring a significant amount of visual scanning.
How To Test For Binocular Vision Dysfunction?
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you may have binocular vision dysfunction (BVD). The only way to confirm this is through a specialized in-office assessment conducted by an optometrist.
While most Australian optometrists receive basic training in binocular vision during their degree, mastering its diagnosis and treatment requires additional education and experience. That’s why it’s best to consult a behavioral optometrist or one with a strong focus on binocular vision care.
At The Eye Collective, our optometrists have undergone extensive postgraduate training in BVD and have years of experience managing these issues. If your vision is causing you discomfort, book a comprehensive eye test with us and let us help you achieve clear, comfortable vision.
Can Binocular Vision Dysfunction Happen Suddenly?
While binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) doesn’t usually occur suddenly, its symptoms can appear or worsen unexpectedly. Many individuals with BVD may not experience noticeable symptoms until their binocular visual efficiency becomes insufficient to support their visual demands.
In Children: Symptoms of BVD can emerge suddenly when transitioning to higher grades, where increased reading and writing place greater demands on their eye-teaming skills. If these skills are insufficient, prolonged tasks can trigger symptoms and potentially affect children’s learning.
In Adults: Fatigue, stress, and increased screen or reading time can exacerbate mild, undiagnosed BVD. These factors can push the visual system beyond its limits, leading to noticeable symptoms and possibly reduce your productivity.
In Adults Over 45: As age-related changes, such as declining near visio, occur, binocular visual efficiency naturally decreases. This can lead to eye strain and symptoms of BVD, particularly during reading or other close work.
Rare Causes of Sudden Onset: BVD may also be acquired due to specific events or conditions, including:
- Neurological Events: Stroke, concussion, or traumatic brain injuries can disrupt eye coordination.
- Eye Muscle or Nerve Injuries: Trauma to the eye muscles or damage to cranial nerves that control these muscles can impair eye-teaming.
- General Health Issues: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune diseases can cause sudden changes in binocular vision.
If you experience a sudden onset of visual symptoms resembling BVD, it’s essential to see an optometrist promptly and if necessary, we will advise you to see your GP or other specialists to rule out serious underlying causes and receive appropriate care.
How To Treat Binocular Vision Dysfunction?
Treatment for binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) focuses on improving the coordination and efficiency of the eyes, alleviating symptoms, and addressing any underlying causes. The best approach depends on the specific type and severity of the dysfunction. Below are common treatment options:
Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular breaks during screen use, better lighting, and ergonomic setups to reduce visual stress.
Corrective Eyewear: Glasses or contact lenses to address refractive errors and support binocular vision. Read to learn more about occupational lens. https://www.eyecollective.com.au/my-eyes-are-so-tired-from-work-will-occupational-glasses-help-me/
Vision Therapy: Customized exercises to improve eye coordination and efficiency, effective for conditions like convergence insufficiency.
Prism Lenses: Special glasses to align visual fields, reducing double vision and eye strain.
Medical or Surgical Intervention: Treatment for underlying causes, such as stroke, or surgery for severe alignment issues.