Binocular Vision Dysfunction - The Misalignment of Eyes

What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

When the eyes are slightly out of alignment, a condition known as binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) develops. In this condition, the eyes have trouble sending the brain one clear image of any object. The misaligned eyes end up sending two different images to the brain. When a person has normal binocular vision, their eyes function together and are always properly synced, which results in the eyes sending the brain a single, sharp image.

However, people with binocular vision dysfunction fail to do so. The brain may attempt to fix this misalignment, but it takes a lot of work, resulting in several symptoms linked to the condition. In the majority of cases, the misalignment of the eyes is very minute, which makes it difficult to identify the condition. The symptoms can be severe even though the misalignment is slight and outwardly undetectable.

What Causes Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

It is unclear why certain people develop binocular vision dysfunction while others do not. However, there are several causes that may be responsible for the development of binocular vision dysfunction:

• Genetics: According to certain studies, binocular vision dysfunction is frequently inherited genetically and may be familial.

• Facial Asymmetry: If an individual has one eye physically located higher than the other eye, they may end up developing binocular vision dysfunction.

• Eye Nerves or Muscle Dysfunction: Many people have underdeveloped eye muscles or ocular nerves from birth. This may cause reduced functioning. As the eye muscles must constantly realign the images sent to the brain, they become more stressed. This continuous effort wears one out and worsens the symptoms of binocular vision dysfunction over time.

• Brain Injury: Any traumatic brain injury, stroke, concussion, or neurological problems can hamper the proper functioning of the visual system, which may eventually lead to misalignment of the eyes and binocular vision dysfunction.

How Common Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

Binocular vision dysfunction is a common condition, but it is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. According to certain studies, up to 56 percent of adults and teenagers have binocular vision dysfunction symptoms that may be problematic in their daily life. About 20 percent of the total population suffers from binocular vision dysfunction. It affects both adults and teenagers.

What Are the Symptoms of Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

Multiple symptoms have been associated with binocular vision dysfunction; these symptoms include the following:

Physical Symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Shoulder, back, and neck pain.

• Tilted head.

• Falling easily.

• Feeling dizzy.

• Fainting.

• Motion sickness.

• Headaches and migraines.

• Anxiety and panic attacks.

Visual Symptoms:

• Blurry vision.

• Difficulty in reading.

• Difficulty in working on computer screens.

• Blurry vision in dim lights.

• Seeing halos at night.

• Increased sensitivity to light.

• Highly strained eyes.

• Pain in viewing something in motion.

• Binocular Vision Symptoms:

• Double vision or diplopia.

• Inability to judge distances and poor stereo vision.

• Poor body-hand-eye coordination.

• Squints.

Other Symptoms:

• Difficulty in driving at night.

• Agoraphobia (phobia of unknown, crowded, open, or large spaces).

• Poor reading and concentration.

• Words appear to "float" or "merge.”

• Reading while pointing with the finger.

What Triggers the Symptoms of Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

Even though BVD symptoms can be experienced at any time, certain situations are more likely to set them off. They consist of the following:

• Moving the head up and down or side to side motion.

• Driving on roads that bend and curve frequently.

• Standing up or moving upright suddenly or too quickly.

• Driving with fast-moving traffic on either side.

• Large and empty areas with high ceilings. airports, huge malls, and theaters are examples of enormous places with high ceilings.

What Is the Differential Diagnosis of Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

Binocular vision dysfunction is an extremely misdiagnosed condition. The patient may be diagnosed with the following conditions that have symptoms similar to binocular vision dysfunction:

• Migraines.

• Dyslexia (a learning disorder that causes difficulty in reading and problems in identifying words).

• ADHD or ADD (attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder).

• Chronic fatigue syndrome (a condition that involves extreme fatigue, sleeping problems, pain, and other symptoms that worsen with exertion).

• Agoraphobia.

• Anxiety disorders.

• Misalignment of the neck or spines.

• Meniere’s disease (a condition affecting the inner ear, and it results in dizziness and episodes of vertigo).

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

• Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness.

• Migraine-associated vertigo.

• Disorders of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint).

How Can Binocular Vision Dysfunction Be Diagnosed?

The only accurate technique to identify binocular vision dysfunction is through a comprehensive eye exam by a licensed ophthalmologist (eye doctor). The initial stage in diagnosis entails responding to a questionnaire created by experts in the field of eye care. These questions provide a quick method to determine whether the patient suffers from any kind of binocular vision dysfunction.

How Can Binocular Vision Dysfunction Be Treated?

After being correctly diagnosed, binocular vision dysfunction can be treated in the following ways:

• Prism Lenses: Prism glasses include light-reflecting lenses that can treat various ophthalmic issues, most commonly ocular misalignment. By modifying incoming light before it reaches the eyes, prismatic lenses work to align the eyes properly so that the brain can combine the images from the two eyes into a single and clear image. Prism lenses also prevent strain on eye muscles.

• Vision Therapy: Another common method of treating binocular vision dysfunction patients is with specially designed visual treatment programs. This method is used especially if the patient is experiencing vertigo and dizziness. Vision therapy works to strengthen the connection between the brain and the eyes, boosting the visual system and easing BVD symptoms. When patients use the prescribed prism lenses, they typically notice that their symptoms progressively improve or go away entirely. Simultaneously, completing a program of vision therapy can benefit even more.

Conclusion:

Binocular vision dysfunction is a fairly common condition that goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in the majority of patients. Binocular vision dysfunction causes a variety of symptoms. BVD symptoms can hamper the day-to-day functioning of a person. Due to BVD, performing simple things like driving a car or reading can become challenging, which can cause anxiety and confusion that can profoundly impact one's life. Therefore, binocular vision dysfunction can deeply affect the quality of life. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, the condition can be completely treated with an excellent prognosis.