Eye Strain and BVD: How Misaligned Eyes Cause Discomfort

Eye Strain and BVD: How Misaligned Eyes Cause Discomfort

Eye strain is a group of symptoms that can occur when your eyes become fatigued or overworked. This can happen when you engage in activities that require prolonged visual focus, such as staring at a computer screen, reading, or driving for extended periods. The symptoms of eye strain can include headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and even neck and shoulder pain. While eye strain is a well-known issue, there is another condition that is often overlooked: binocular visual dysfunction (BVD).

What is Binocular Visual Dysfunction (BVD)?

Binocular visual dysfunction (BVD) is a condition where your eyes are not properly aligned or coordinated, causing them to work independently rather than together as they should. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

·       Refractive errors (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism)

·       Muscle imbalances or weaknesses in the eye muscles

·       Injuries or trauma to the head or eyes

·       Neurological conditions that affect the visual system

When your eyes are not properly aligned, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

·       Headaches

·       Dizziness or vertigo

·       Blurred or double vision

·       Difficulty with depth perception

·       Fatigue or eye strain

·       Difficulty with reading or focusing on tasks

These symptoms can be especially problematic when engaging in activities that require sustained visual focus, such as using a computer, reading, or driving.

The Link Between Eye Strain and BVD

The connection between eye strain and BVD is a complex one, but it ultimately comes down to the way your eyes work together. When your eyes are not properly aligned, it means that they are not working together in a coordinated way. This can cause your brain to struggle to process the visual information it's receiving, leading to fatigue and strain. In an effort to compensate for the misalignment, your brain may try to force your eyes to work together, leading to muscle strain and tension in the eye muscles. The strain and tension on your visual system can then manifest in a range of symptoms, including headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and even neck and shoulder pain.

Diagnosing BVD for Personalized Treatment

If you are experiencing persistent eye strain or other visual discomforts, it's important to seek professional help to determine the underlying cause. A comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist can help diagnose BVD and develop a personalized treatment plan.

During the examination, your eye doctor will likely perform a series of tests to assess the alignment and coordination of your eyes, as well as any underlying refractive errors or muscle imbalances.

Once the underlying cause of your eye strain and visual discomforts has been identified, your optometrist can develop a personalized treatment plan to address the specific issues you are experiencing. This may include prescription lenses or prism glasses to correct refractive errors and improve eye alignment

Schedule Your Consultation with Heights Dizziness and Headaches Today

If you are experiencing persistent eye strain, headaches, or other visual discomforts, it's important to seek professional help.  Heights Dizziness and Headaches can help diagnose the underlying cause, whether it's related to BVD or other factors, and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Don't let eye strain and BVD hold you back. Take the first step towards better visual health by scheduling an appointment with Heights Dizziness and Headaches. We can help you identify the root cause of your symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort. Visit our office in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, or call (201) 490-6200 to book an appointment today.