Binocular vision is the functioning of both eyes together to allow for better vision, depth perception, and spatial relationships. When there is anything that disrupts this system, it is called a binocular vision disorder. Some of the most common complaints of binocular vision disorders are blurred vision, eye strain, and trouble with reading. Treatments are geared toward realigning the eyes and the system to provide better binocular vision.
What is a Binocular Vision Disorder
Binocular vision (BV) disorders occurs when your eyes struggle to team up effectively, causing issues with depth perception, eye coordination, and visual comfort. Imagine trying to see a 3D movie but your eyes just can’t sync up properly—it’s a bit like that. This can lead to symptoms like seeing double, feeling eye strain, getting headaches, or finding it hard to concentrate on tasks that require sharp vision.
Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Binocular Vision Disorders
Spotting the signs of binocular vision disorder early on can help you seek timely help from an eye care professional. Some common signals that you might be dealing with this condition include: seeing two images instead of one, especially when looking at objects up close or far away, feeling tired eyes or experiencing discomfort after reading or using screens for a while, having headaches, especially when focusing for extended periods, or struggling to focus or maintain attention on visual tasks.
All of these symptoms are due to the increased effort required when the eyes are not working together properly.
Not all of these symptoms are needed to diagnose binocular vision disorder – in fact a single symptom may be enough to warrant further investigation by your eye doctor.
Treating BV Disorders
When it comes to treating binocular vision disorder, there are various approaches that your eye care provider may recommend based on your specific needs. These treatments are designed to enhance eye coordination, reduce strain, and improve overall visual comfort. Some common treatment options include vision therapy, glasses, or prism lenses.
Vision therapy involves exercises and activities to help train your eyes to work together better and improve coordination. This is an active approach to build the strength of the eye muscles.
Customized lenses in glasses or contact lenses can address specific vision issues and provide clearer sight. Often these may include a bifocal or other method of relieving eye strain.
Prism lenses are special lenses that move the image seen by one or both eyes to a point that is more comfortable and easier for the eyes to focus on. These are often used if the binocular vision disorder is more acute or sudden but can also provide assistance in other cases.
Seeking Treatment for Binocular Vision Disorder
While many of the symptoms of binocular vision disorder may be easy to brush aside as small or insignificant, it is important to value your eye health and have detailed discussions with your eye doctor about any and all symptoms you have.
If it is determined that you have binocular vision disorder, your eye doctor will make recommendations about which treatment or treatments will best relieve your symptoms.