Skip to main content

What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) refers to a visual condition in which the eyes are not fully aligned, resulting in significant strain on the eyes. The constant effort of the eye muscles to correct this misalignment and achieve clear, single vision can cause discomfort. BVD can either be present from birth or acquired due to a traumatic brain injury or concussion.

One prevalent type of BVD is known as Vertical Heterophoria. If you want to learn more about Vertical Heterophoria, click here.

Symptoms of BVD

Individuals with BVD, including Vertical Heterophoria, often experience headaches due to slight vertical misalignment of the eyes. The brain compensates for this misalignment by instructing the eye muscles to reposition the eyes correctly. However, this overuse of the eye muscles leads to strain and fatigue, resulting in various symptoms associated with Vertical Heterophoria:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Double vision
  • Shadowed, overlapping or blurred vision
  • Words appearing to move on a page while reading
  • Skipping lines or losing your place while reading
  • Fatigue and difficulty with comprehension during reading
  • Closing or covering one eye to make it easier to see
  • Anxiety in crowded or large open spaces
  • Sensitivity to light and glare
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Motion sickness
  • Poor depth perception
  • Lack of balance and a tendency to drift while walking
  • Poor coordination or clumsiness
  • Eye pain, particularly when moving the eyes
  • Neck, upper back, or shoulder pain
  • Head tilting
  • Sensation of floating
  • Feeling intoxicated
  • Dizziness, disorientation, or anxiety while driving
  • Sensation of movement while stopped at a traffic light
Eye Strain

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you could have Vertical Heterophoria or another type of binocular vision dysfunction (BVD). Please fill out our BVD Questionnaire, and we will interpret your responses and contact you regarding the results.

Contact Us Today!

At NeuroVisual Specialists of Florida and iSee VisionCare, we are a trusted full-service optometrist for your entire family. Our services include eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and pediatric vision care. We are proud to be the first neurovisual specialist in the state of Florida. We would be delighted to assist you—contact us via phone at (561) 733-9008 or through our online contact form.