Did you know that you can pass standard 20/20 vision tests and still have underlying vision impairments? This is often due to a binocular vision problem. Research shows that 56% of adults and adolescents suffer from symptoms related to binocular vision dysfunction. 

What is Binocular Vision?

So, what is binocular vision? Simply put, binocular vision is the coordination between your two eyes, each eye sees its own image and binocular vision merges these images together into a single image. 

The ability to look with both eyes in all different directions: far and near, in and out, and up and down is a binocular function. There is no other part of the brain or body that regulates these sensory messages. Thus, any issue with binocular functioning will result in moderate to severe processing issues in an individual.

How Binocular Vision Dysfunction Effects You

In young children, binocular vision failure can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), resulting in poor depth perception and low visual acuity, or strabismus (crossed eye), resulting in farsightedness, nearsightedness, and/or an astigmatism. These are the most dramatic and easily recognizable binocular visual dysfunctions, however, there are also more common and hard-to-recognize problems such as convergence insufficiency.

Convergence insufficiency is an eye condition that affects how your eyes work together when you look at nearby objects. This condition often causes double or blurred vision. Those with convergence insufficiency often have trouble reading and keeping up with their peers in school. People of all ages have convergence insufficiency. It is common to develop it as a lasting effect of a concussion or traumatic brain injury.

Symptoms of a Binocular Vision Impairment

Dealing with a binocular vision impairment can impact your ability to function normally in everyday life. There are a huge range of symptoms one can experience as a sign of binocular vision dysfunction. Some of these symptoms include:

• Becoming dizzy or light-headed easily
• Nausea
• Motion Sickness
• Being unsteady on your feet when walking or running
• Poor depth perception
• Covering one eye in order to focus
• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty with reading comprehension
• Fatigue from reading
• Difficulty focussing when people speak to you
• Anxiety in large crowds or spaces
• Restless sleep
• Persistent eye pain
• Long-lasting headaches 
• Double vision
• Blurred vision

You may experience some or all of these symptoms when struggling with binocular vision dysfunction. The severity of the symptoms can range from mild to severe.

How to Improve Binocular Vision

Luckily, there are ways to improve your binocular vision. One of the best ways to enhance your eyesight is through vision therapy. Here at Washington Vision Therapy, we are dedicated to helping our patients experience life more fully through improved vision. If you or your child is struggling with binocular vision dysfunction, give us a call today, we would be happy to help!