Is It Just a Headache - Or Could It Be Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)?

If you’ve been dealing with frequent headaches, dizziness, or eye strain and haven’t found lasting relief, the root cause might be something you haven’t considered: your vision. Not just your eyesight, but how well your eyes work together. These symptoms are sometimes linked to a condition called Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD), a lesser known visual issue that can significantly affect your daily comfort and performance. Understanding BVD could be the key to finally getting answers and finding relief.
 

What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

Binocular Vision Dysfunction occurs when the eyes struggle to work together as a coordinated team. Even a slight misalignment between the eyes can lead to visual strain, as the brain works overtime to correct the issue. This constant effort can cause a variety of symptoms, many of which are often misattributed to other conditions.
 

What Causes BVD?

Binocular Vision Dysfunction is typically caused by a slight misalignment of the eyes. This misalignment can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, head injuries, neurological conditions, or even developmental issues that affect eye coordination. When the eyes don’t align properly, the brain struggles to merge the two images into a single, clear picture. Over time, this constant effort to compensate can lead to the symptoms associated with BVD, such as headaches, dizziness, and difficulty focusing. Even small misalignments that are undetectable in a standard eye exam can create significant discomfort.
 

Common Symptoms of BVD

Because BVD affects how your eyes work together, symptoms can show up in unexpected ways. Some of the most common include:

• Frequent headaches or migraines

• Dizziness or feeling off-balance

• Blurred or double vision

• Difficulty with reading or concentration

• Eye strain or fatigue, especially after screen time

• Motion sickness or car sickness

• Anxiety in large, open spaces
   

These symptoms may be mild at first but can worsen over time if the underlying eye misalignment goes undiagnosed and untreated.
 

Why a BVD Test Is Essential

A standard eye exam may not detect binocular vision issues, which is why a dedicated BVD test is so important. At Outreach Vision, we perform specialized assessments that measure how well your eyes align and work together. This allows us to diagnose BVD and recommend custom treatment options, often involving microprism lenses or vision therapy, to help relieve your symptoms and restore comfortable vision.
 

Take the First Step Toward Relief at Outreach Vision

If you’ve been living with persistent headaches, dizziness, or visual strain, it’s time to look deeper. Binocular Vision Dysfunction is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, yet can have a major impact on your quality of life. Identifying and treating BVD can bring the clarity and relief you’ve been missing.
 

Schedule a Binocular Vision Dysfunction evaluation with Dr. Jenks at Outreach Vision and find out if BVD is the cause of your symptoms. Contact our office in Platte City, Missouri, by calling (816) 858-6080 to book an appointment today.