Signs That Your Eyes Need a Neurovisual Eye Exam

The immense advances in technology and the convenience of handheld devices have seen an increase in their use. More people are using some forms of technological devices at home or work. These gadgets have digital screen displays that increase the risk of digital eyestrain. Devices like tablets, smartphones, and laptops contribute largely to computer vision syndrome.

 

Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)

While these symptoms are common, they can be indicative of a more severe binocular vision dysfunction (BVD). If you are unsure, you should get a Neurovisual eye exam. Binocular vision dysfunction is an eye condition caused by both eyes not working together. This is often due to misalignment between the two eyes. It results in difficulties seeing a single, focused, clear image.

If you suspect you have BVD, you should get a Neurovisual eye exam. Here are a few signs to indicate if you need the exam.

Issues With Reading and Focusing

Patients with underlying binocular vision dysfunction have difficulties concentrating while reading. This could be from concentrating on words when reading a book or on a computer.

You may also find yourself losing the spot you are reading or skipping lines. If this is the case, it could indicate you have BVD. To help uncover the source of the symptom, visit your eye doctor for a comprehensive Neurovisual exam.

Eyestrain, Fatigue, and Pain

In addition to these symptoms, eyestrain, fatigue, and pain indicate your eye muscles are getting overworked. Eye misalignment from the two eyes forces your visual system to try and place the images back in the correct position. These repetitive misalignments and corrections end up straining your eye muscles.

This leads to eye pain and fatigue. A comprehensive Neurovisual exam can determine if eye misalignment is the cause of these symptoms. If so, your ophthalmologist can administer treatments such as personalized aligning eyeglasses.

Light-headedness, Dizziness, and Nausea

Nausea and dizziness are symptoms caused by binocular vision dysfunction. The intensity and frequency of these symptoms may vary. Also, they may have some form of triggers such as shaking or nodding your head, getting up too quickly, driving at high speeds, and others. You might benefit from a Neurovisual exam if this is the case.

Double Vision

Many people with BVD are sensitive to bright lights. Eye misalignment can cause excess amounts of glare off the surfaces. This leads to:

 

• Blurred vision
   

• Double vision
   

• Overlapping vision
   

• Shadowed vision
  
   

You may also experience poor depth and distance perception. Closing one eye may ease your near or far visual task. If you are experiencing these types of vision, a Neurovisual exam can be helpful.

 

Binocular vision dysfunction is a treatable eye condition. However, you cannot be sure you are suffering from BVD if you do not get a comprehensive Neurovisual exam. Specialists can use specialized optical lenses known as micro-prisms to correct the misalignment in your eyes. In most cases, patients gradually regain optimal vision after the treatment.

For more on Neurovisual eye exams, contact Ocean Park Optometry at our office in Santa Monica, California. You can call (310) 452-1039 today to schedule an appointment.