If you’ve been dealing with double vision, trouble focusing, or frequent headaches when reading or working, it might not just be eye strain or needing a stronger glasses prescription. Some vision problems go deeper and can’t be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses alone. One common cause is a binocular vision disorder, which affects how your eyes work together.
At Baymeadows Vision Center, our experienced orthoptist in Jacksonville can figure out what’s causing your symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about binocular vision disorders, common symptoms and causes, and how they can be treated to improve your vision and comfort.
What is binocular vision disorder?
Binocular vision disorder, also known as binocular vision dysfunction, occurs when your eyes don’t work together as a team. Normally, both eyes send visual signals to the brain, which processes them and combines them into a single, three-dimensional image. This process is known as binocular vision, and it allows you to perceive depth and track objects accurately.
If one eye is weaker or the eye muscles are misaligned, the brain receives conflicting messages. Binocular vision disorder can cause a range of symptoms that affect everyday life. These issues may be constant or appear during tasks that require close-up work, such as reading or using a computer.
Types of binocular vision dysfunction
The two most common forms of binocular vision disorder are:
Strabismus (crossed eyes)
This condition occurs when the eyes don’t line up properly and point in different directions. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other focuses straight ahead. If left untreated, it may lead to vision loss in the weaker eye.
Amblyopia (commonly called lazy eye)
Amblyopia develops when one eye becomes weaker than the other, often because the brain favors the stronger eye. This imbalance can result from strabismus, significant differences in vision between the two eyes, or other eye conditions. Without timely treatment, amblyopia can cause permanent vision impairment in the affected eye.
Symptoms of binocular vision disorder
The symptoms of binocular vision disorder vary depending on the underlying cause and how severe the eye misalignment is. Common symptoms include:
- Double vision
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Headaches, especially after reading or screen use
- Blurred vision
- Trouble focusing on close objects
- Difficulty with depth perception
- Poor reading comprehension
- Eye pain or pressure
- Dizziness or balance issues
Some people may also develop head-tilting habits or squint frequently to reduce discomfort.
If you notice these symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam can help determine whether binocular vision disorder is the cause.
What causes binocular vision dysfunction?
Several factors can interfere with your eyes’ ability to work together. These include:
- Muscle imbalances in the eye
- Neurological conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Developmental delays in children
- Refractive errors left uncorrected
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Tumors affecting the optic pathways or the brain
In many cases, these issues can be identified through a detailed visual assessment and tests designed to evaluate eye alignment and coordination.
Who can diagnose binocular vision dysfunction?
Diagnosing binocular vision dysfunction requires specialized knowledge and tools to assess how well your eyes work together. Optometrists and ophthalmologists often perform initial eye exams and vision screenings to identify signs of binocular vision problems. However, an orthoptist is a specialist trained specifically to evaluate and treat disorders related to eye movement and coordination.
What does an orthoptist do?
An orthoptist is a licensed professional who specializes in eye movement and coordination disorders. They assess how your eyes track, fixate, and focus, and they look for problems that may not show up in a standard vision test.
Orthoptists often help patients who have:
- Difficulty with reading or working on screens
- Headaches linked to eye strain
- Neurological conditions that affect vision
- Eye fatigue during visual tasks
- Persistent double vision
If you’ve had trouble finding answers through traditional eye exams or if glasses haven’t solved your vision problems, an orthoptist near you can help uncover the root cause.
Schedule a binocular vision assessment today
If reading, focusing, or daily visual tasks are becoming frustrating or uncomfortable, it may be time to see a professional. At Baymeadows Vision Center, our experienced orthoptist, Dr. Monica Brown, specializes in diagnosing and treating binocular vision disorders, offering personalized care and proven therapies.
Call us today at 904-739-2050 or fill out our online form to request an appointment.