Binocular Vision Dysfunction or BVD is a vision problem that is commonly left undiagnosed and untreated. However, BVD can be extremely difficult for those who are suffering from it, as it causes many debilitating symptoms. The good news is that there is a Binocular Vision Dysfunction treatment that will reduce symptoms significantly.  

On this page, we will review the most common BVD symptoms that patients report having and share information about the treatment for BVD you’ve been looking for. Read on to see if your symptoms match up with Binocular Vision Dysfunction symptoms.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction Symptoms & Treatment

Binocular Vision Dysfunction, often referred to as BVD, is a condition characterized by the challenge of coordinating the eyes effectively due to a subtle misalignment in their visual orientation. Consequently, individuals with BVD may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, shadows, distortions, or even the perception of double images. 

To counteract these discomforting symptoms, the body instinctively exerts excessive effort, leading to the overuse of eye muscles in an attempt to reestablish proper alignment. This repetitive misalignment and realignment process creates a persistent cycle of strain and contributes significantly to the manifestation of the common daily struggles associated with Binocular Vision Dysfunction. BVD can result from eye muscle abnormality, or facial asymmetry, or even develop after a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or concussion.

The Misdiagnosis of BVD Symptoms

Binocular Vision Dysfunction presents a unique diagnostic challenge due to the complexity and variability of its symptoms. Unfortunately, it is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked. The subtlety of BVD symptoms, which can mimic other common eye conditions or even systemic health issues, contributes to this misdiagnosis.

Blurred vision, headaches, and eye strain, which are prevalent BVD symptoms, can be mistakenly attributed to factors like fatigue or the need for a new eyeglass prescription. Moreover, the fact that BVD symptoms may fluctuate or worsen with specific visual tasks further complicates accurate diagnosis.

This eye misalignment causes many individuals suffering from BVD to endure a frustrating journey of multiple consultations with healthcare providers before receiving the appropriate diagnosis, highlighting the need for increased awareness and understanding of this condition among medical professionals. Early recognition and proper diagnosis are essential to provide timely and effective interventions for individuals struggling with BVD.

BVD Symptoms

There are plenty of common symptoms that we see patients suffering from, including:

Double Vision

One of the hallmark symptoms of Binocular Vision Dysfunction is the perception of double vision, where a single object appears as two separate images. This can be disorienting and make tasks such as reading or driving challenging.

Blurred Vision

Blurriness is another frequent symptom, where objects may appear unclear or out of focus. This can lead to eye strain and difficulty in discerning fine details.

Head Tilt

In an attempt to alleviate double vision or visual discomfort caused by misalignment, some individuals naturally tilt their heads to position their eyes in a way that reduces the disparity between the images seen by each eye. While this head tilt may temporarily ease symptoms, it can lead to neck strain and social discomfort, making it another significant indicator of BVD.

Eye Strain

Due to the constant effort required to realign the eyes, individuals with BVD often experience significant eye strain, which can cause discomfort, headaches, and fatigue. 

Headaches

Persistent headaches, especially around the temples or forehead, are a common complaint among BVD sufferers. These headaches may worsen with prolonged visual tasks. Some people may even be diagnosed with a migraine disorder.

Light Sensitivity

Individuals with BVD may experience heightened sensitivity to light due to the extra effort their eyes exert to maintain alignment. This sensitivity can lead to discomfort, squinting, and a preference for dimmer environments, further contributing to the overall visual challenges they face.

Fatigue

The extra work performed by the eye muscles can lead to overall fatigue and tiredness, impacting daily activities and productivity.

Dizziness and Vertigo

Some individuals with BVD may experience sensations of dizziness or vertigo, as the brain struggles to process conflicting visual information from the misaligned eyes.

Difficulty Concentrating

BVD can affect one’s ability to concentrate, particularly during activities that demand sustained focus, like reading, using a computer, or watching TV.

Spatial Awareness Issues

Misaligned vision can lead to problems with depth perception and spatial awareness, making tasks like judging distances or navigating obstacles more challenging. This can lead to people falling down, bumping into things, losing their balance, and hurting themselves.

Reduced Reading Comprehension

BVD can hinder reading comprehension as words may appear to move, merge, or become distorted on the page. People also often complain of getting headaches when reading. 

Anxiety and Frustration

Coping with persistent visual discomfort and the associated symptoms can lead to increased anxiety and frustration, impacting overall quality-of-life.

Motion Sickness

BVD can contribute to motion sickness, causing nausea, vomiting, and general discomfort when traveling in vehicles or during activities involving motion.

Balance Problems

Some individuals with BVD may experience difficulty with balance and coordination, leading to unsteadiness and an increased risk of falls.

It’s important to note that the severity and combination of these symptoms can vary from person to person. If you suspect you may have BVD or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek evaluation and guidance from a qualified eye care specialist. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve your visual comfort and quality-of-life.

Now that you know the symptoms of Binocular Vision Dysfunction, let’s talk about treatment.

Treating Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) is a condition that disrupts the harmonious functioning of the eyes, leading to a myriad of uncomfortable visual symptoms. Among the various treatment options available, the use of micro-prism lenses has gained recognition as an effective way to alleviate the challenges associated with BVD.

Prism lenses are specialized eyeglass lenses that have the remarkable ability to alter the way light enters the eye, thereby assisting in the correction of visual misalignment and minimizing distressing symptoms. With micro-prism lenses, you can see significant improvement in just one day. 

Specialized micro-prism lenses work by refracting light in a manner that helps to redirect the visual images onto the corresponding areas of the retina in each eye, allowing for normal binocular vision. These lenses are customized to address the specific misalignment present in an individual’s eyes. By doing so, they reduce or even eliminate issues like double vision, eye strain, headaches, and spatial perception problems that are often characteristic of BVD.

The customization of prism lenses involves a thorough eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist who specializes in binocular vision disorders like those at Vision Specialists of Michigan. During your evaluation, the extent and nature of the misalignment are determined, allowing for precise calculations to be made for the prism prescription. Once the prism lenses are crafted to match your unique needs, they can be incorporated into regular eyeglass frames, making them a convenient and non-invasive treatment option.

One of the key advantages of prism lenses is their ability to provide immediate relief for BVD symptoms. As soon as these lenses are worn, individuals often experience a 50% improvement in visual comfort and clarity. However, it’s important to note that prism lenses are not a cure for BVD but rather a highly effective management tool. While they can substantially alleviate the symptoms and enhance daily functioning, the underlying cause of the condition may require additional treatment approaches, such as vision therapy, to address the root issues contributing to the misalignment. 

Prism lenses have emerged as a valuable solution in the management of Binocular Vision Dysfunction. By restoring better alignment between the eyes, these specialized lenses offer relief from the distressing visual symptoms associated with BVD, allowing individuals to regain a higher quality-of-life and improve overall visual comfort. As with any vision-related concern, it is crucial to consult with an eye care professional for a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Vision Specialists Provides BVD Treatment

If you suspect you may have Binocular Vision Dysfunction, reach out to us at (248)-258-9000 today. The team at Vision Specialists can evaluate your vision and the symptoms you’re suffering from.

Our team offers the expertise needed to prescribe prism lenses to help with BVD symptoms. So if you’re tired of living with the symptoms of BVD and want to alleviate them, Vision Specialists of Michigan can help.