What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)?
The Hidden Cause of Headaches, Dizziness, and Reading Problems in Lincoln, NE
Are you experiencing chronic headaches, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating — even though your eye exam was “normal”?
You may be dealing with Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) — a commonly overlooked condition that affects how your eyes work together.
At Beyond Vision LNK, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Binocular Vision Dysfunction for children and adults in Lincoln, Nebraska and surrounding communities.
What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?
Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) occurs when the eyes are slightly misaligned and do not work together properly. Even small alignment errors can cause the brain to strain as it tries to combine two images into one clear picture.
Unlike blurry vision, BVD is primarily a coordination problem, not a clarity problem. You can have 20/20 vision and still experience significant symptoms.
Common Symptoms of BVD
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Dizziness, balance issues, or motion sensitivity
- Light sensitivity
- Double vision (even occasionally)
- Eye strain, fatigue, or “heavy eyes”
- Trouble reading, focusing, or concentrating
- Anxiety or discomfort in visually busy environments (stores, driving, scrolling)
If you’ve found yourself searching things like “headaches after reading,” “dizziness but normal MRI,” or “eye strain with screens,” BVD may be the missing piece.
Why Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction Often Missed?
Many routine eye exams focus on:
- Visual acuity (20/20 clarity)
- Eye health
- Glasses or contact lens prescription
BVD often requires specialized binocular vision testing to measure subtle vertical and horizontal misalignments and how well the eyes team together.
Using evaluation methods aligned with modern NeuroVisual approaches, we assess:
- Eye alignment precision
- Eye teaming ability
- Tracking and focusing coordination
- Symptom patterns related to visual stress
How Does BVD Cause Headaches and Dizziness?
When the eyes are misaligned:
- Each eye sends a slightly different image to the brain.
- The brain works overtime to fuse these images into one.
- This constant strain can overwhelm the visual system.
Over time, this can contribute to symptoms like headaches behind the eyes, neck/shoulder tension, fatigue on screens, motion sensitivity, and reading avoidance in children.
Treatment for Binocular Vision Dysfunction in Lincoln, NE
Treatment is personalized based on your specific measurements and symptoms. Common options include:
Microprism Lenses
Precision prism lenses can gently shift light so images align more naturally, reducing strain and improving comfort. When accurately prescribed and fitted, many patients notice meaningful relief.
Vision Therapy
Customized vision therapy retrains the eye–brain connection to improve coordination, stamina, and comfort over time. In some cases, therapy and prism lenses work best together.
Who Should Schedule a BVD Evaluation?
You may benefit from a binocular vision evaluation if you:
- Have unexplained headaches or migraines
- Feel dizzy in large spaces or while driving
- Struggle with reading endurance or concentration
- Feel anxious in visually stimulating environments
- Have persistent symptoms despite “normal” medical testing
Get Answers at Beyond Vision LNK
If you’re looking for solutions for headaches, dizziness, reading struggles, or visual fatigue, our team is here to help.