Dizzy While Driving? Check Your Eyes for BVD

Driving is a regular activity in most people’s lives. Whether you’re driving to school, work, or it’s a part of your job, most people will have to drive to get where they are going. However, while many people view driving as just another part of life, for some people, it can bring about a host of problems that they may not have even known they have. If this sounds like you, then please keep reading!

Dizziness while driving is more common than you may think. While there may be a host of reasons that a person may feel dizzy while they drive (such as nervousness or another health issue) however it may also be Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD). If you experience dizziness while driving, it’s important to consult with your eye doctor right away to rule out a vision concern that may be impacting your health.

What is BVD?

BVD occurs when the line of vision of one eye is slightly out of alignment with the other eye. Over time, your eye muscles strain because it is trying to compensate for the alignment issue. BVD may occur due to facial asymmetry that occurs during natural aging or perhaps due to a head injury that impacted vision alignment.

While dizziness is a common symptom of BVD, there are other symptoms to look out for such as:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Lack of Depth Perception
• Poor coordination
• Head tilting
• Nervousness
• Double vision

Sometimes, people only experience one symptom, which can make it incredibly difficult to narrow down the problem at first. That is why it is important to be aware of BVD as it could be the reason behind a multitude of problems.

How is BVD Identified?

Eye doctors will use a lengthy questionnaire to identify if you have BVD. Unfortunately, that is the only current testing available for the condition. However, trained professionals know exactly what to look for in order to identify the root concern.

Treatments

Prismatic spectacle lenses have been used to help issues with BVD. Most people experience a 30-50% reduction in symptoms, while other patients experience benefits over a longer period of time. Keep in mind; the prescription may need to be fine-tuned in order to achieve optimal results.  

What Should You Do if You Feel Dizzy While Driving?

If you ever feel dizziness while driving, you should pull over immediately. You should contact someone to pick you up and then schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor right away. There are multiple medical concerns that could cause dizziness, and your medical provider can point you in the right direction. Don’t forget that you should also consult your eye doctor to rule out any outlying vision concerns.

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