Binocular Vision Testing

Binocular Vision Evaluations

binocular visual dysfunction (bvd)

In a normal patient, each eye creates a clear image and the brain is responsible for merging these two images into a single, clear image. BVD is a condition that occurs when the eyes are misaligned and each eye sends a different image to the brain. When these images are different, the brain is unable to merge them and the patient constantly perceives a blurry or double image.

SYMPTOMS of bvd

The misalignment is usually very small in magnitude, but enough to cause debilitating symptoms such as:

Headaches
Blurred vision
Fluctuating vision
Double vision
Eye fatigue or eye strain
Tiredness and loss of concentration
Difficulty concentrating when reading or learning

accommodative dysfunction

Accommodation is our eyes' ability to trigger our focusing muscles when looking at near and these muscles must also relax when looking at an object at distance in order to be made clear.

There are 2 main types of accommodative dysfunctions:

Accommodative insufficiency: the most common; makes it difficult for an adult or child to efficiently maintain focus when looking at near.
Accommodative infacility: makes it difficulty to switch focus from near to far and vice versa.

SYMPTOMS of accommodative dysfunction

Common debilitating symptoms are:

Eye fatigue
Eye strain
Blurry vision when looking at near (i.e. reading)
Difficulty maintaining focus when switching from near to far OR far to near
General fatigue towards the end of the day
Headaches (around brow, forehead, and sometimes temples)
Blurry vision looking into the distance after prolonged near work (i.e. reading)

You may also notice your child:

Avoiding detailed near work
Having difficulty sustaining attention when doing homework
Complaining about difficulty copying from the board
Having poor reading fluency or comprehension
Requiring frequent breaks to complete work

Let's Answer Some of Your Questions

Who can be affected by BVD?

BVD can affect both children and adults leading to the inability to perform to the best of their ability in both school and work.

When does BVD develop?

BVD can develop at any time, but usually affects patients that are in school, college, or spend long hours on the computer or doing near work.

What causes accommodative dysfunction?

Accommodative dysfunction usually occurs from an increased visual demand at near, not taking enough breaks when working at near, and the eyes' inability to work together due to a misalignment (BVD).

Is BVD part of the comprehensive eye examination?

During a full comprehensive eye exam, we screen for BVD and accommodative dysfunction. However, our doctor usually has you come back for a binocular vision evaluation so we can do additional testing and measurements.

Can BVD be treated?

Symptoms of binocular vision disorders and accommodative dysfunctions can sometimes we improved with lenses prescribed by our doctor. However, vision therapy is the most proactive and effective treatment to address all BVD and accommodative dysfunctions. Vision therapy consists of in-office and at-home eye exercises that aim to train your brain and your eyes to work together more effectively and efficiently.

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Our Comprehensive Eye Examinations are much more than just a glasses prescription. We truly believe in a thorough exam that is specific to every patient and their eye care needs. We screen for various eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, macular degeneration, ocular allergies, and many others. We always make the time to answer all your eye questions.

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Dr. Yee loves treating all sub-specialties of optometry, but as a dry eye sufferer herself, treating dry eyes is her favorite! There is a plethora of dry eye causes including hormones, medications, diet, environment and even your beauty routine. Dry eye therapy extends further than just eye drops. Schedule a dry eye evaluation so we can devise the best dry eye therapy for you!

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We also offer retinal imaging and dilated fundus evaluations to better treat and manage any eye diseases.

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BINOCULAR VISION EVALUATIONS

COntact lens evaluations

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BINOCULAR VISION EVALUATIONS

Want independence from your glasses and contact lenses? Wondering if you are a candidate for LASIK?

We offer complementary LASIK/ PRK consultations to our patients. Ask us about the details during your eye examination.

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BINOCULAR VISION EVALUATIONS

If you are experiencing headaches, eye strain, pain around your eyes, double vision, or difficulty focusing at near or on the computer - you may have a binocular vision disorder. During this evaluation, we asses whether your eyes are working together as a team and if they are focusing the way they should independently and together.

Consult with Dr. Yee if you're experiencing these symptoms.

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