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What is Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)?

  • Kandi Moller
  • Apr 13
  • 2 min read

If you’ve been told your eyes are “fine” but you still feel off, dizzy, strained, or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many people experience symptoms that aren’t explained by a routine eye exam. One possible cause is something called Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD).

What is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) occurs when the eyes are not working together as a team as efficiently as they should. Even a small misalignment can force your brain to work harder to keep vision clear and single.

That extra effort can lead to a wide range of symptoms—especially in busy, visually demanding environments.

Common Symptoms of BVD

BVD doesn’t always look like blurry vision. Instead, it often shows up as:

  • Dizziness or feeling off-balance

  • Discomfort in grocery stores or crowded spaces

  • Headaches or pressure around the eyes

  • Eye strain or fatigue

  • Motion sensitivity or nausea

  • Difficulty focusing on screens

Feeling better when one eye is covered

Why a Routine Eye Exam May Miss It

Most standard eye exams focus on:

  • clarity of vision

  • eye health

But BVD is about: how your eyes work together

These subtle coordination issues often require a more detailed evaluation to identify.

How BVD is Evaluated

A NeuroVisual evaluation looks deeper at how your visual system is functioning, including:

  • how your eyes align

  • how much effort your system is using

  • how your symptoms respond during testing

The goal is not just to measure vision, but to understand how your system is performing under real-world conditions.

What Can Help

For many patients, reducing the effort the visual system must use can significantly improve comfort.

One option is a lens-based approach using micro-prism, which helps support alignment and reduce strain.

When to Consider a NeuroVisual Evaluation

You may benefit from further evaluation if:

  • your symptoms persist despite “normal” exams

  • you feel worse in busy or visually complex environments

  • you experience ongoing dizziness, headaches, or visual discomfort

Final Thought

Your vision is not just about how clearly you see—it’s about how comfortably your system functions.

If something feels off, there may be an explanation that hasn’t been fully explored yet.

 
 
 
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