Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) is a common but often overlooked vision condition that can cause discomfort and affect daily life. Many people with BVD struggle with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, double vision, and difficulty focusing. Fortunately, prism glasses offer a solution that can help alleviate these symptoms.
In this blog post, our Platte City eye care team at Outreach Vision explores how prism lenses can help with BVD and who might benefit from this specialized treatment.
What is BVD and How Do Prism Lenses Help?
In normal vision, both eyes work together to create a single, clear image. However, in individuals with binocular vision dysfunction, the eyes are slightly misaligned, causing the brain to receive two slightly different images. This forces the brain to work harder to merge these images, leading to symptoms such as double vision, headaches, and eye strain.
Prism lenses shift the light entering the eye, so the images from both eyes align properly, relieving the strain on the brain. This makes it easier to see clearly and reduces the discomfort that often accompanies BVD.
By correcting the misalignment between the eyes, prism lenses can:
- Reduce headaches and migraines: Many people with BVD experience frequent headaches due to the strain of constantly trying to fuse misaligned images. Prism lenses reduce this strain, often leading to fewer headaches.
- Improve visual clarity: When the eyes are misaligned, double vision or blurred vision can occur. Prism lenses realign the eyes, making vision sharper and clearer.
- Alleviate eye strain: BVD often causes significant eye strain, especially after prolonged periods of reading or working on a computer. Prism lenses help the eyes focus more easily, reducing strain and fatigue.
- Reduce dizziness and balance issues: Misalignment of the eyes can disrupt balance and cause dizziness. Prism glasses help restore visual balance, reducing these symptoms.
Many patients report significant improvements in their quality of life after beginning treatment with prism lenses. The reduction in symptoms realted to BVD allows them to engage in daily activities more comfortably.
Who Are Prism Glasses a Good Fit For?
Prism glasses are a great fit for anyone diagnosed with binocular vision dysfunction, but they can also help people experiencing certain symptoms that have not yet been linked to BVD. Prism lenses may be an ideal solution for individuals who:
- Experience frequent headaches or migraines, especially those triggered by visual tasks.
- Suffer from double vision, blurry vision, or visual disturbances.
- Have difficulty focusing on objects or reading for long periods.
- Feel dizzy or disoriented, particularly in busy environments or when driving.
- Struggle with eye strain or fatigue, especially after using digital screens or performing detailed work.
Because the symptoms of BVD are often misattributed to other causes, a comprehensive eye exam is crucial in identifying the underlying problem. If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above, a prism lens evaluation may be the first step toward relief.
Is It Time for Prism Glasses?
If you’ve been struggling with neck pain, headaches, dizziness, or visual discomfort and haven’t found relief, prism glasses may be the answer. By addressing the root cause of binocular vision dysfunction, these specialized lenses can dramatically improve your vision and reduce uncomfortable symptoms.
Contact our Platte City eye clinic today to schedule an eye exam and find out if prism glasses are right for you.