August 13, 2024

Could Vision Misalignment Be Causing Your Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health issues in North America, affecting tens of millions of people each year. Did you know that certain visual problems can cause or contribute to anxiety?…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health issues in North America, affecting tens of millions of people each year. Did you know that certain visual problems can cause or contribute to anxiety? Especially after a traumatic head injury, a condition called binocular vision dysfunction may cause anxiety and panic attacks.

What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

Binocular vision refers to the ability to see one clear and unified image, despite having two eyes. When you look at any object, each eye sends its own visual information to the brain, and the brain then unifies these images seamlessly to create the one clear image of the world around us.

With binocular vision dysfunction (BVD), the eyes are misaligned, so the brain struggles to create a single image with the visual information sent from the two eyes. To compensate for the misalignment, the eye muscles struggle in an attempt to realign the eyes. This often leads to significant strain on the eye muscles and causes a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

  • Eye strain
  • Dizziness
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Disorientation
  • Double vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Poor depth perception
  • Difficulty reading
  • Reduced attention span

Those with BVD may also find it difficult and stressful to navigate through large crowds or visually stimulating environments like busy streets and stores.

woried woman 500How BVD Can Lead To Anxiety

In severe cases of BVD, symptoms like dizziness may be so intense that a panic attack can be triggered just by walking outside. This is especially true for those who don’t know they have BVD – the unexplained dizziness and disorientation only exacerbate their anxiety.

People with BVD may have agoraphobia or dislike leaving their homes, even for simple errands. The overstimulating, visually-busy environment around them may cause sensory overload and lead to apprehension or panic. A simple trip to the grocery store can be a daunting task for a person with BVD-driven anxiety.

BVD can also lead to difficulties maintaining attention for long periods of time, especially when reading, using a computer or digital devices. This can affect work and school performance, leading to heightened anxiety.

Although anti-anxiety medications successfully treat some kinds of anxiety, they are likely to be ineffective if the problem is based in the visual system, like BVD. In fact, some anti-anxiety medications have ocular side effects and could actually worsen the functioning of the visual system, only adding to the problem instead of solving it.

We Can Treat Your BVD

At Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy, we diagnose and treat a wide range of visual problems. The first step is to schedule a functional visual evaluation, where we will assess a host of visual skills like eye teaming, tracking, and focusing.

If you have BVD, we may prescribe a customized pair of prism eyeglasses. Using realigning prismatic spectacle lenses may reduce or eliminate the visual system’s strain and fatigue.

The average person with BVD experiences a 30-50% decrease in symptoms almost immediately upon wearing the prism eyeglasses, but over time may experience up to 70-80% relief.

In some cases, we will prescribe a customized program of neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy to treat the problem at the source – the communication between the eyes and the brain. This specialized form of vision therapy trains the eyes and brain to work in unison, so the visual system functions seamlessly without strain or fatigue.

To learn more or schedule your functional visual evaluation, contact Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy today.

Opto-Mization serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, Vancouver Island, and throughout British Columbia.

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
5.0
Out of 265 Reviews
Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Phone
(250) 591-0270
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday:
    11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Friday:
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    Closed
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
4.9
Out of 59 Reviews

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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.