Dissociated Vertical Deviation

What is Dissociated Vertical Deviation (DVD)?

DVD refers to a condition where the eyes have not developed the binocular coordination needed to work together. In DVD, one eye will tend to drift upward when not used or when the patient fixates with the other eye. The upward drift can occur in one or both eyes, and the amount of drift can differ. Aside from the most common upward drift seen in DVD, outward drift or rotation of one of the eyes can also occur.

Patients with dissociated vertical deviation (DVD), usually don’t notice blurred or double vision when their eye drifts upward. This is because the visual system suppresses the vision in the eye that drifts upward.

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When and Why Does DVD Occur?

DVDs tend to appear between ages 2- 3. Patients with early-onset strabismus (eye turns) are the most susceptible to eyes drifting apart. While the presence of DVD is strongly linked to a lack of 3D vision or depth perception, this condition may also develop following eye muscle surgery to correct strabismus.

What Are DVD Signs and Symptoms?

The signs and symptoms associated with dissociated vertical deviation may include, but are not limited to:

Abnormal working distance/abnormal postural adaptation
Deviation of one eye
Diplopia (double vision)
Eye turn
Inaccurate depth perception
Spatial disorientation

Can Dissociated Vertical Deviation Be Treated?

When DVD is severe and/or occurs frequently, vision therapy is often the most effective treatment. Vision therapy will not change the fact that a person has DVD, but it can help the eye coordination work better despite the fact that the DVD exists, and this often improves coordination, reading, focus and more.

Vision therapy is a customized program of eye exercises, prescription lenses and/or prisms aimed at enhancing the eyes’ ability to work together to reduce the incidence of upward drift.

If you or your child suspect you have it, or if you’ve already been diagnosed with DVD, contact Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance for assessment and customized treatment.

Our practice serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounding communities.

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How We Can Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of double vision, dizziness or feeling off-balance, contact us for a consultation. Even if you’ve been told that your symptoms are stress-related, seasonal, or will fade on their own, having a functional visual evaluation can help rule out vision as the root cause or contributing factor to your symptoms.

It’s also important to note that not every optometrist is trained in this specialized field. Only a neuro-optometrist should assess and treat a post-TBI patient with neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy.

We have the expertise and latest technology to provide you with the top-level care you deserve.