Binocular vision is the brain combining slightly differing images from both (bi) eyes (ocular) to generate one clear unified image and therefore better vision. The brain uses the images to understand the distance to and speed of an object (depth and movement perception). Dysfunction occurs when both eyes do not coordinate to provide accurate perceptions to the brain. You can see what this is like by covering one eye and trying to catch a ball or pour water into a glass. These tasks become difficult due to the loss of depth and movement perception. Over time, they become easier, and most people live with dysfunction for years before diagnosis.
There are various reasons for binocular vision dysfunction, including reduced vision in one eye, issues in the brain when comparing images, and loss of eye movement coordination. For the brain to calculate perceptions, images from both eyes must be of the same visual scene. When the eyes point in different directions, the images differ too much.
Binocular vision problems, can affect a person’s ability to complete visual tasks and
Learning and most daily tasks, including driving, require the use of visual skills. Undiagnosed vision problems can make it difficult to utilize one’s eyes comfortably and efficiently at work and in hobbies.
Symptoms include:
- Vestibular symptoms (dizziness, nausea, and drifting to the side when walking)
- Head, neck, and shoulder symptoms (headaches, muscle pains, and eye pain)
- Driving symptoms (feeling like lights, stop signs, and the car are moving)
- Anxiety symptoms (becoming overwhelmed by lots of detail in large spaces and general anxiety)
- Reading or learning difficulties (difficulty concentrating, skipping words and lines, and tiredness)
- Sleep symptoms (restlessness and dizziness)
- Diplopia and vision symptoms (light sensitivity, double vision, and eye strain)
- Pouring drinks
- Catching balls
- Walking up and down stairs
- Attention or concentration issues
- Eyestrain
- Balance and mobility issues
- Poor hand-eye coordination
Diagnosis of lost or dysfunctional binocular vision needs an in-depth analysis. Treatments range from glasses that correct eye alignment using a prismatic correction to vision therapy. We are all familiar with an eye test, which measures whether you have ‘6/6 or 20/20 sight’ and need glasses or contact lenses. However, the eyes are very complex, and deeper and more comprehensive tests can be provided by specific tests by Dr. Janjua. A binocular vision assessment allows Dr. Janjua to detect several vision issues that might otherwise go unnoticed during a standard eye exam.