Seeing the World Clearly: The Importance of Addressing Binocular Vision Dysfunction
Dr. Kalie McCartin
Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist
Owner, Visual Processing Institute
Binocular vision dysfunction, or BVD, is a common condition that affects how the brain calculates space and guides the eyes to work together. While it may not pose a direct threat to life, it can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life.
The Prevalence of Binocular Vision Dysfunction aka BVD
Binocular Vision Dysfunction is surprisingly common, affecting over 30% of the general population. The rate is even higher among individuals who have suffered brain injuries. Because BVD is not life threatening, deficiencies have easily been passed down as we didn't really need all 20 of these skills to be working so efficiently 100 years ago, let alone 1000 years ago. These conditions are often genetic, meaning they can be passed down through families.
The Impact of BVD on Daily Life
BVD can hinder performance in a wide range of activities, including:
Reading and writing: Difficulty focusing on text can make reading and writing challenging.
Computer work: Strain on the eyes and difficulty concentrating can affect productivity.
Artistic pursuits: BVD can impair visual skills necessary for drawing, painting, and other creative endeavors.
Sports and hobbies: Activities that require precise visual tracking and depth perception can be difficult.
The Hidden Costs of BVD
The REAL problem is that in today's world, we do need all 20 of these visual processing skills to be operating at their best in order to perform our best in fa more complex tasks. We are now reading, writing, communicating complex issues, and performing math problems that are far more complex than our system has ever had to do on a daily basis.
Beyond the direct impact on daily activities, BVD can also have indirect consequences. Individuals with BVD may experience:
Reduced productivity: Difficulty focusing and concentrating can lead to decreased productivity at work or school.
Impaired learning: BVD can make it challenging for students to learn effectively.
Social isolation: Difficulty participating in activities that require efficient processing of your space such as in busy environments can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Seeking Treatment for BVD
If you suspect you may have BVD, it's important to seek professional help. A qualified eye care professional can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Treatment for BVD may involve:
Vision therapy: Exercises designed to improve eye coordination and visual function.
Prism glasses: Corrective lenses that can help TEMPORARILY reduce visual symptoms while you go through therapy to correct the deficiency.
Lifestyle modifications: Changes to lighting, reducing screen time, and other environmental factors can help alleviate symptoms.
BVD is a common condition that can significantly impact daily life. By understanding the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can improve their visual function and live more fulfilling lives. Don't let BVD hold you back. Take action today and start seeing the world more clearly.
Seeking Treatment for BVD
Our practice has a vision therapy clinic in Newport Beach, vision therapy clinic in Los Angeles, vision therapy clinic in San Juan Capistrano, and a vision therapy clinic in Torrance.
Keywords: binocular vision dysfunction, BVD, eye health, vision problems, vision therapy, eye strain, headaches, dizziness, eye glasses, visual processing, brain injury, learning disabilities
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