Binocular Vision Dysfunction in Children

Having clear vision is important, but there’s a lot more to vision than seeing “20/20”. It’s not uncommon to hear someone talk about their child having 20/20 vision but still having eye problems. These eye problems may indirectly present as academic and social problems.

You can start by taking your child for an eye exam if you notice these issues. It will help you determine if the problems represent an eye condition. One of these conditions is binocular vision dysfunction (BVD).  However, not all doctors thoroughly test for BVD.

What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)?

It’s an eye condition that occurs when your child’s eyes do not work properly as a team. Their brain may try to correct this problem. However, it results in various symptoms that may not be obvious they are stemming from BVD.

Symptoms Affecting Children

Children can suffer from binocular vision disorder as a result of facial asymmetry, ocular anatomy, and also from head injuries.

Here are some symptoms that will shed light on issues with binocular vision dysfunction.

 

• Difficulty catching balls
   

• Frequently bumping into objects
   

• Sitting close to the television
   

• Playing with toys close to their face
   

• Squinting to see
   

• Covering one eye to see
   

• Avoiding reading activities
   

• Headaches
   

• Falling asleep while reading

These symptoms point to eye teaming, eye focusing, and eye-tracking problems. These three key features will affect your child’s development. Some children learn to compensate, but others struggle. Those who have symptoms end up with binocular vision dysfunction. How can you identify these three features in your child?

Eye Teaming

Children need this skill to help with their hand-eye coordination. Otherwise, they cannot tell if an object is near or far. Children whose eyes do not work together will sometimes see double (but not always). They also cannot sustain comfortable vision for long. They will rub their eyes, squint, close one eye, and frequently complain of headaches. They will also avoid activities that involve reading.

Eye Focusing

Children with this problem will excessively blink, and you will notice that their eyes become watery. They will complain of tiredness and avoid reading. It slows down their learning. They will want to be close to the chart or book. They will also complain of headaches as their eyes struggle to focus.

Eye Tracking

As your child develops, so do their eye movements. They require accurate eye movements to track objects and read. Children with eye tracking problems will mix up letters, skip words, or muddle their words. You may think they have dyslexia or ADHD. However, the problem is with their eyes.

Conclusion

Binocular vision dysfunction is a subtle but complex visual disorder. Many eye tests will miss it. It will cause children to struggle with concentration and avoid learning new skills. Get an exam with an optometrist specializing in this condition to check your child’s eyes. They will treat them with specific lenses and visual exercises.

For more on binocular vision dysfunction or believe you or your child is suffering from any of these symptoms, get relief now and take our Free 5 Minute Self Test to find out if you have BVD Here.