Many patients who suffer from Vertical Heterophoria (VH) find themselves extremely anxious in large, open spaces with high ceilings, such as malls or big box stores. VH is a type of binocular vision dysfunction that causes the images from the two eyes to be misaligned. Such places can feel very chaotic to people with VH, and even a short trip can be exhausting. The bright fluorescent lights, a dizzying array of products and noise that comes from the combined sounds of carts moving, people talking, children crying and check-out stations beeping can be very overwhelming.
Visual vertigo is something that occurs when an overload of visual stimuli triggers dizziness. There is so much visual input coming in to the brain; the person feels overwhelmed. When combined with movement, this increased visual stimulation causes the sensation of dizziness to increase, leading to an increase in anxiety. Patients report this dizziness as a lightheaded, almost drunken feeling.
VH patients can also experience this when driving due to the increased amount of visual stimulation on either side of the car, especially at higher speeds. It can also be brought on by something as simple as trying to cross a busy street. This cycle of dizziness and anxiety can cause a person to lose their sense of control and perspective. Over time, these feelings become so intense that the person can become agoraphobic: too fearful and anxious to even leave their home.
In order for your eyes to “see,” the brain has to be able to take the two images you’re seeing and combine them into one clear image. In a patient with a binocular vision disorder, the eyes are moved out of alignment. This process is interrupted, which means the brain is forced to find another way to bring these images into focus. The eye muscles contract to move the eyes back into the correct position. However, the consequence of this is that those muscles become sore and strained, resulting in headaches, problems with coordination and balance, neck and shoulder pain, dizziness, and anxiety.
Micro-prismatic aligning lenses are the treatment of choice for VH. Our custom method of prescribing prismatic lenses is this key to our success. On average, patients find an 80% reduction in symptoms in a short period without time-consuming or costly therapy. Contact The Neuro Visual Center of New York to learn more at (516) 224-4888. You can also fill out our questionnaire online.
Could you help me find a practitioner as yourself in MN?
Hi Julie
Please visit the Vision Specialist of Michigan website to find a trained doctor closest to you.
The Neuro Visual Center
Any recommendations in New Jersey?
I am a 52 year old female that was originally diagnosed with left cranial nerve palsy after suddenly having double vision, dizziness and nausea. Many MRIs and blood tests later there was no medical reason. I am extremely near sided. I had surgery on my eye muscles in October which relieved the double vision. Prior to the surgery the stick on prisms with at 20+. Now after surgery I’m having difficulty with motion. Can’t tolerate fast movement or brightness.
I live in Georgia. There is not any local vision therapy near me but I found someone who uses the internet based Right eye program. Are you familiar with this? Am I wasting my time and money?
I have heard that once you start wearing prisms, your eyes get used to it and eventually need to continue to increase the amount.
Would love to hear from you. An advice or opinions. If you feel you can help me, is there a facility near me? I’m willing to travel if needed as I’m an RN who has been unable to work since august of 2019. I’m running out of options
Hi Dedra,
If you have a cranial nerve palsy, any internet based program will most likely not help. You probably have a small amount of misalignment still left which is causing your symptoms. Prism adaptation does not happen if it prescribed appropriately. In our practice, most of our patients have the same prismatic correction for over 5 years. Our closest colleague to you is in Florida, Boynton Beach. Dr. Erin Sonneberg.
All the best.
Do cataracts and extreme astigmatism come into play with these conditions? I just recently was diagnosed with having cataracts in both eyes at age 55. I have some symptoms of BVD but mainly the car driving has become problematic. Do you recommend cataract surgery prior to addressing the problem further? I am looking for any practitioners in the East Tennessee/ North Georgia area.
Thank
Kristen
Yes cataract can be contributing to your problem.
Where can i go to get check for VH please?? I live in chicago IL
Please visit the Vision Specialist of Michigan website to find a doctor closest to you.
All the best
The Neuro Visual Center
Is there a place in Northwest Florida that can diagnose this?
Dr. Erin Sonneberg in Boynton Beach is the only colleague we have in Florida.
Hello, I’m almost sure I have this condition. I have seen neurologist, ENT doctors and they don’t have an answer for my vision and headache problems.
I live in Northern Virginia. Could you please recommend a doctor in this area or DC area.
I would really appreciate it, I need a solution.
Thank you
Please visit the Vision Specialists of Michigan website to find the closest doctor to you.
All the best
Please call the office at 516-224-4888.
My 43 yr old daughter is a working RN, and has suddenly become incapacitated with severe symptoms of oscillopsia. Began a week ago. Had labs, MRI, etc. – all neg. She has been dx with misalignment of her eyes,and is not able to function with normal ADLs right now. She resides here in Western MA. Don’t know if you have anyone serving this area that can maybe be of help to her. She is really suffering severely. We can take her to NY if you think there is any help for her. Thank you for any help you can give. Please!
Please visit the Vision Specialists of Michigan website to find a doctor closest to you. There is help for her. Please call the office at 516-224-4888 if you would like to bring her to our office.
I was born with strabismus. I had my eyes operated on as a 1 yr old. Had a second surgery on one eye in 2019 at 46. I’m now dealing with neck pain every day. I’m not sure if there could be any help found by visiting the office?
Hi Dana,
Very often after multiple strabismus surgery there is a need for a small amount of prism. Depending on your problem the neck pain could be stemming from a small head tilt.
All the best,
The Neuro Visual Center
Can lasik surgery cause this condition? I had it done 15 months ago. That’s when it onset. My eye dr says it’s probly not related to vision but I know it is! It only happens when I’m at a store or “out”.it’s not social anxiety. It’s definitely my vision causing dizziness when “out”. Driving us fine. Church is fine. Others homes are fine. But like a store or park… 😣
Yes changes to your refractive error, such as after Lasik can cause these symptoms.