Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) occurs when the eyes struggle to work as a coordinated team. If you experience headaches, eye strain, or difficulty reading, we can help diagnose and treat the problem.
Healthy eyes work together as a coordinated team, sending two nearly identical images to your brain. Your brain then merges these images into one clear, three-dimensional picture. With Binocular Vision Dysfunction, this teamwork breaks down—your eyes are slightly misaligned, sending different images to your brain.
Imagine trying to tune a radio and only hearing static no matter how you adjust it. That’s what your brain experiences with BVD—it has to work overtime trying to merge misaligned images. Over time, this constant strain leads to symptoms like headaches, eye fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty reading.
Binocular Vision Dysfunction affects many people across all ages, yet it often goes undiagnosed. Patients frequently attribute their symptoms to stress, fatigue, or other conditions. Many children with BVD are incorrectly diagnosed with learning disabilities or attention disorders when the real issue is eye coordination.
In a healthy visual system, your two eyes work in perfect synchronization. Here’s how the process should flow:
Your eye muscles coordinate perfectly, pointing both eyes at the exact same target.
Each eye sends a slightly different view to the brain (this creates depth perception).
Your brain effortlessly combines these two images into one clear, three-dimensional picture.
The result is clear, single vision with good depth perception and minimal eye strain.
BVD symptoms can be subtle or severe, and they often worsen with visual demands. Many people live with these symptoms without realizing they’re caused by eye coordination problems.
Frequent headaches around the eyes or temples, especially after reading or computer work.
Eyes feel tired, sore, or uncomfortable after visual tasks, even for short periods.
Words on a page appear to move, blur, double, or shift while reading.
Dizziness or motion sickness sensation, similar to vertigo or car sickness.
Struggle to maintain focus while reading, or need to re-read sentences frequently.
Unexplained anxiety, especially in visually stimulating environments.
Difficulty focusing on tasks requiring sustained vision, particularly close work.
Difficulty judging distances or catching objects; awkwardness in coordination.
Many people with BVD are told their symptoms are caused by anxiety, stress, migraines, or even learning disabilities. If you’ve experienced these symptoms and no other cause has been found, BVD may be the underlying problem.
BVD develops when the intricate coordination between your eyes and brain breaks down. Several factors can contribute to this condition.
Some people are born with subtle eye muscle imbalances or coordination issues that predispose them to BVD.
Concussions or head trauma can disrupt the delicate neuromuscular balance between your eyes and brain.
Refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism can strain eye coordination over time.
High stress levels and fatigue magnify BVD symptoms by reducing eye coordination efficiency.
Some surgical procedures or eye complications can affect how the eyes coordinate.
While BVD can develop in anyone, certain groups are at higher risk. Recognizing if you fall into a risk category can help prompt early diagnosis.
Those with developing visual systems may develop BVD, which can affect school performance and sports.
Those in contact sports face higher risk of head injuries that can trigger or worsen BVD.
If BVD runs in your family, you may have inherited predisposing factors.
Those with demanding jobs, especially involving extensive screen time, are more prone to symptom onset.
After head injury or concussion, eye coordination problems can emerge weeks or months later.
Those who don't wear needed glasses or contacts strain their eye coordination system.
Diagnosing BVD requires specialized testing beyond a standard eye exam. We look at how your eyes work together as a team, not just individual eye health.
Complete evaluation of individual eye health, visual acuity, and basic eye alignment to rule out other conditions.
Detailed discussion of your specific symptoms, when they occur, and how they affect your daily life. This guides our testing strategy.
Specialized tests including cover tests, vergence tests, and ocular motility assessments to measure how well your eyes work together.
3D imaging, computerized eye tracking, and digital topography provide precise measurements of eye alignment and movement patterns.
Most routine eye exams focus on individual eye health and clarity of vision. They don’t thoroughly evaluate how your two eyes coordinate and work as a team—which is exactly what BVD affects. That’s why specialized testing is essential.
BVD treatment is highly individualized. Your optimal treatment depends on the severity of your condition, specific symptoms, and how much they affect your daily life.
Specialized eye exercises designed to retrain how your eyes coordinate and work together as a team.
Specially designed lenses with prisms that align images and reduce the strain on your visual system.
If uncorrected refractive errors are contributing to BVD, proper prescription can significantly reduce symptoms.
Taking regular breaks during visual tasks, improving lighting, maintaining good posture, and managing stress.
Treatment of associated issues like headaches or anxiety in conjunction with eye coordination therapy.
Regular follow-up appointments to track progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
What works for one person may not be ideal for another. During your consultation, Dr. Foley will assess your specific condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan designed to give you the best results.
Dr. Matthew Foley, O.D., founder and lead optometrist at Foley Vision Center, has over 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating binocular vision disorders. A graduate of the New England College of Optometry in Boston, he understands the complexities of eye coordination problems.
Comprehensive diagnostic approach: Dr. Foley goes beyond standard eye exams. He uses advanced testing to thoroughly assess how your eyes work together and identify the root cause of your symptoms.
Personalized solutions: Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Foley develops customized treatment plans that address your specific needs and lifestyle.
Proven success: His patients report dramatic improvements in symptoms, better concentration, and restored quality of life after proper BVD treatment.
Untreated BVD can significantly impact your quality of life and may worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to the best outcomes.
Improved concentration and reduced eye strain lead to better productivity and success at school and work.
Many patients experience dramatic reduction in headache frequency and severity with proper treatment.
Improved eye coordination and depth perception enhance athletic ability and coordination.
Relief from constant discomfort and strain allows you to enjoy life activities again.
Better eye coordination improves depth perception and reaction time on the road.
Proper diagnosis prevents years of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments for other conditions.
If you’ve been struggling with headaches, eye strain, or reading difficulties, Binocular Vision Dysfunction may be the cause. Schedule a comprehensive BVD evaluation at Foley Vision Center today and discover how proper eye coordination can transform your life.
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