Binocular Vision Disorder (BVD)

Binocular vision disorder, also known as BVD, refers to any condition where the eyes do not work together properly to create a single, clear image. Normally, both eyes should align and focus on the same point in space. Each eye captures an image from a slightly different angle, and the brain fuses these two images into a single, three-dimensional perception. This process provides depth perception and a wide field of view. When the eyes fail to align properly or work together as a team, it results in binocular vision disorder. This misalignment can confuse the brain as it tries to merge two different images. This dysfunction can lead to various symptoms such as double vision, headaches, eye strain, difficulty reading, and poor depth perception. In some cases, it can also cause difficulties with dizziness, balance, or motion sensitivity.

Common Symptoms Associated with Binocular Vision Disorder

• Frequent headaches, especially after reading or using a screen for an extended period
• Eye fatigue and discomfort
  
• Blurry or double-vision
  
• Difficulty focusing
• Poor depth perception or
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Words appearing to move on a page

How Vision Therapy Works to Correct BVD

Vision therapy is a customized, evidence-based program that re-trains the brain and eyes to work together more efficiently. Similar to physical therapy for the body, vision therapy strengthens visual skills through structured exercises, improving eye coordination, tracking, and focusing abilities.

Key Benefits of Vision Therapy for Headaches and Focus:

• Improving Eye Tracking and Focusing: Poor eye tracking can make reading and following lines of text difficult, causing frustration and headaches. Therapy activities like tracking drills and accommodative training strengthen the eye muscles, allowing for smoother transitions and reducing visual fatigue.
  
• Reducing Visual Stress: When the eyes struggle to maintain proper alignment, it leads to cognitive overload and discomfort. Vision therapy incorporates targeted visual exercises to train the eyes to work efficiently without unnecessary strain.
  
• Enhancing Depth Perception and Visual Spatial Processing: Poor depth perception and visual-spatial processing (understanding where you are in relation to things in your environment) affects everyday tasks like driving, catching objects, or walking up stairs. Poor spatial awareness can cause you to bump into things or have slower reaction times. Vision therapy exercises help improve depth perception, making visual tasks easier and reducing the effort required to process visual information.

Each vision therapy program is tailored to an individual’s specific needs. With regular sessions, patients often experience long-lasting improvements in visual function, leading to fewer headaches and better focus over time.

The Role of Prism Lenses in Treating BVD

While vision therapy works to correct and strengthen the underlying visual system, specialty prism lenses can provide immediate relief from symptoms of BVD. These customized lenses help align the eyes properly and improve visual-spatial awareness.

How Prism Lenses Help:

• Instantly Alleviate Double Vision and Eye Strain: Prism lenses shift images so that both eyes perceive a single, unified picture, reducing the effort needed to compensate for misalignment.
  
• Reduce Headaches and Fatigue: By eliminating the need for the eyes and brain to overwork, prism lenses help minimize symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and visual fatigue. Prism lenses can significantly improve visual comfort for tasks such as reading, driving, and shopping.
  
• Improve Depth Perception and Visual-Spatial Awareness: Patients often experience immediate improvement in eye-hand coordination, balance, ability to focus, and awareness of where they are in their visual space when using prism lenses.

Often, only a small amount of micro-prism is needed to bring the vision back into balance. Dr. Frazer has over 20 years of experience prescribing for BVD. Prisms may be prescribed alongside vision therapy to provide both short-term relief and long-term correction. Together, these treatments offer a comprehensive solution for individuals struggling with BVD.

If you or your child experience chronic headaches, eye strain, or trouble focusing, our comprehensive vision evaluation can determine whether binocular vision disorder is the cause. We specialize in diagnosing and treating functional vision problems using a combination of vision therapy and specialized prism lenses to help patients achieve clearer, more comfortable vision. Schedule a consultation with New Horizons Vision Therapy Center in either our Waunakee or Waukesha, Wisconsin locations, by calling us at (608) 849-4040 to book an appointment.