Binocular Vision Dysfunction
When it comes to vision, it’s about more than just seeing clearly. Binocular vision dysfunction can affect how individuals process and interpret visual information. These problems are not related to how clearly we see but rather to the coordination of the eyes and their role in aiding visual processing and integration in the brain. In this section, we will explore what binocular vision problems are and discuss some common signs and symptoms.
What is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?
Binocular vision dysfunction refers to various conditions that affect how our eyes coordinate and work together. These conditions are not typically detected during routine vision screenings and may require a specialised evaluation by a Behavioural Optometrist.
Binocular vision dysfunction can manifest in various ways, affecting different aspects of visual processing.
Some common examples include difficulties with eye focusing, eye teaming, eye movements or tracking, and visual perception. These problems can interfere with tasks such as reading, writing, and learning, leading to challenges in academic and everyday life.
![Blurry Vision](https://eyesbydesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/blurry-vision.jpg)
Common Signs and Symptoms
Identifying binocular vision problems can be challenging, as the symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the specific visual processing issue. However, there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Eye Strain: Individuals with teaming, focusing or tracking problems often experience eye strain, leading to headaches, fatigue, and discomfort during reading or close work.
- Blurred or Double Vision: Blurring or seeing double while reading, writing, or focusing on objects can indicate focusing issues.
- Squinting: Squinting is compensation for poor clarity of vision.
- Eye rubbing: Eye strain related to extended near focus often results in excessive rubbing of the eyes.
- Getting close to the page to read: This is a frequently seen sign of focusing and eye teaming problems.
- Skipping Lines or Losing Place: Unintentionally losing one’s place while reading or skipping lines can indicate tracking problems.
- Poor Concentration: Difficulty maintaining focus, frequent distractions, and a short attention span are common issues associated with these eye conditions.
- Poor Hand-Eye Coordination: Binocular vision dysfunction can affect hand-eye coordination, challenging tasks like catching a ball or handwriting.
- Slow Reading Speed: Struggling to read at an appropriate speed or needing extra time to complete reading assignments may indicate visual processing difficulties.
- Poor depth perception: Difficulties judging distances or navigating in three-dimensional spaces may indicate issues with visual processing.
- Sensitivity to light: Increased sensitivity to bright lights or discomfort in visually stimulating environments may be present in individuals with binocular vision problems.
![eye rubbing](https://eyesbydesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/girl-rubbing-her-eyes.webp)
It’s important to note that these signs and symptoms alone do not confirm the presence of binocular vision dysfunction.
A comprehensive evaluation by a Behavioural Optometrist is necessary to diagnose and determine the appropriate course of action accurately.
The Role of Optometrists
Behavioural Optometrists are crucial in identifying, diagnosing, and managing binocular vision dysfunction. Their expertise in assessing visual function and understanding the connection between vision and behaviour allows them to provide valuable insights and effective interventions for individuals experiencing these issues.
Identifying and Diagnosing Behavioural Vision Dysfunction
Optometrists specialising in behavioural optometry are skilled in recognising and diagnosing binocular vision dysfunction.
They assess many aspects of vision through comprehensive eye examinations, including eye teaming, focusing, tracking and visual information processing skills.
Collaborative Approach with Other Professionals
Behavioural Optometrists often work collaboratively with other professionals, such as educators, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, podiatrists, etc.
This multidisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation and a tailored treatment plan for each individual.
Collaboration with educators is essential in understanding the impact of binocular vision problems on learning and academic performance.
By sharing assessment findings and treatment recommendations, Behavioural Optometrists can help create appropriate educational accommodations and support strategies to address the specific visual needs of the individual.
Many people have underlying issues contributing to their binocular vision dysfunction. Some necessary skills may have never developed properly, or bad habits may have been acquired secondary to physical or emotional trauma.
Other allied healthcare practitioners who specialise in these areas need to address and treat these underlying issues. This highlights the need for collaboration to provide the best results for the community.
Behavioural Optometrists are dedicated to helping individuals overcome their visual challenges and achieve their full potential.
By identifying and diagnosing these issues accurately and collaborating with other professionals, Behavioural Optometrists play a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey towards improved visual function and overall well-being.
![kids optometrist](https://eyesbydesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/optometrist8.jpg)
Success Stories
Behavioural vision problems can present significant challenges, but with proper diagnosis and intervention, individuals can overcome these difficulties and achieve success in the areas of life that matter.
Real-life examples of individuals who have overcome binocular vision dysfunction serve as inspiring stories of resilience and achievement.
These success stories highlight the transformative power of vision therapy, support from Behavioural Optometrists, and the dedication of individuals and their families.
Real-life Examples of Overcoming Behavioural Vision Dysfunction
Here are a few examples of individuals who have successfully overcome binocular vision dysfunction:
- Emma: Emma, a 10-year-old girl, struggled with reading and writing. She was inexplicably falling behind in class, even though she excelled in all other areas of her life. Emma could see everything clearly, but her parents and teachers noticed she couldn’t sit still when reading.
She would fidget and constantly move the page while reading, often bringing her face very close to the page. She couldn’t read for longer than a few minutes before she would need to walk away and do something else.
After consulting with a Behavioural Optometrist, Emma was diagnosed with Accommodative Insufficiency (a focusing problem). She was given training lenses and a personalised vision therapy program that included activities to improve her eye movements and focus.
Over time, Emma could sustain focus more comfortably, for much longer periods of time, and her reading posture normalised. As a result, her reading and writing abilities improved significantly, and she gained confidence in her academic performance. Emma went from the bottom of the class to one of her year’s top performers.
- Michael: Michael, an 8-year-old boy, experienced challenges in most aspects of his life. He appeared to see clearly but was very clumsy, often tripping, and had multiple bruises on his legs when presenting. He could not sit straight in the chair and appeared to turn his head a little to his left when he looked at you in consultation.
He was often inattentive, not seeing objects pointed out to him which were right in front of him. He was frightened to try new things due to a lack of confidence and actively resisted contributing to tasks when asked, including his homework. When he tried to focus on any concentrated visual task, he would rub his eyes excessively, report eye strain and, in some cases, double vision.
Most of the time he would give up and not even attempt the work to avoid this pain. What was worse was that his teachers would tell him to try harder and accuse him of not trying when, in fact, he was trying to the best of his ability.
This would cause even more frustration, resistance and emotional outbursts.
After consulting with a Behavioural Optometrist, Michael was diagnosed with Intermittent Exotropia (an eye teaming problem related to one eye turning out after a period of visual concentration). He was given training lenses to stabilise his vision.
He was referred to a chiropractor to assess and treat his posture as required and an Occupational Therapist to improve his spatial awareness and visual/motor integration skills.
Six months later, Michael was much more aware and responding quickly and positively socially, academically and athletically. He wasn’t reporting eyestrain or double vision and could concentrate on his work longer without complaining. He was attacking problems rather than shying away from them. He was no longer frustrated or displaying emotional outbursts.
These success stories and testimonials demonstrate that individuals with binocular vision problems can overcome their challenges and achieve their full potential with the right support and intervention. For more case studies, please click here.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties related to vision and learning, it is important to consult an Optometrist who specialises in behavioural optometry. Remember, each individual’s journey is unique, and success is within reach with the right guidance and support.
Eyes By Design offers appointments for eye exams and vision testing.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general eye health topics.
It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your health care professional prior to incorporating this as part of your health regimen.
![dr nick](https://eyesbydesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/eyebydesign.webp)
Dr Nicholas Altuneg
For over two decades, my greatest passion has been helping people of all ages live improved lives through better vision. At Eyes by Design, vision is so much more than being able to see clearly or read small letters from far away; it determines your perceptions and reactions every second of the day.
Read more about Dr Nick