Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) in Children: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Binocular vision dysfunction is a condition that impacts the coordinated function of the eyes. It causes problems like headaches, eyestrain, and depth perception issues. BVD affects children more commonly. It impacts their ability to function daily and learn. Read on to learn how to recognize binocular vision dysfunction signs and symptoms.

Double Vision

Diplopia occurs when your eyes send two images to the brain. Also known as double vision, it can occur due to eye misalignment. One of the primary symptoms of binocular vision dysfunction is double vision. But note that this can also occur due to conditions like a nerve or muscle disorder.

Headaches or Eyestrain

Binocular vision dysfunction makes it hard for the eyes to work together. As a result, your child can experience headaches or eyestrain when their eyes work hard to maintain focus. Eye misalignment causes the brain to work extra hard to fuse the separate images from the eyes.

Difficulty Focusing on Nearby Objects

Maintaining a clear focus on distant or near objects can be difficult due to eye misalignment. The brain perceives images as distorted or blurry when the eyes do not work together. Children may struggle to write or read due to this symptom.

Fine Motor Skills Difficulty

Your child requires precise coordination between their brain, hands, and eyes to do fine motor skills like writing. Eye misalignment makes it hard to coordinate fine motor tasks. As a result, your child may struggle to do tasks like tying their shoelaces or buttoning their shirt or may have poor handwriting.

Depth Perception Difficulty

The ability to perceive an object's relative position and distance in space is depth perception. Eye misalignment can affect this ability. As a result, you may notice your child having difficulty judging an object's size accurately or the distance between objects.

Rubbing of the Eyes or Excessive Blinking

Your child may have BVD if you notice that they rub their eyes or blink excessively. They may do this because their eyes work harder to keep a clear focus. As a result, the eyes can experience discomfort and fatigue. Visit an eye doctor with your child for an examination if you notice that they blink or rub their eyes excessively.

Covering or Closing One Eye to See Clearly

Maintaining clear focus becomes difficult due to eye misalignment. Your child may cover or close one eye to see objects.

Discomfort or Fatigue When Doing Close Work

Your child may experience discomfort or fatigue when doing close work or reading if they have BVD. It may result due to their eyes working harder to maintain focus.

Difficulty Tracking Objects in Motion

Tracking objects becomes difficult if your child has misaligned eyes. His or her brain perceives images as distorted and blurry. Moving an object like a toy with the eyes can be difficult for a child with binocular vision dysfunction.

Frequently Losing Place When Reading 

Your child may have BVD if they cannot keep their place when reading. Binocular vision dysfunction makes it hard for your child to comprehend what they read. Eye misalignment causes the brain to perceive distorted or blurry images when reading.

Avoiding Close Work

Your child may have BVD if you notice that they avoid close work and reading. They may try evading such tasks due to difficulty comprehending or maintaining a clear focus while doing the activity.

For more on BVD, visit Ocean Park Optometry at our office in Santa Monica, California. Call (310) 452-1039 to book an appointment today.