In general, the goal of patients who schedule eye exams is to obtain a prescription for eyeglasses, contact lenses or both. Others seek to maintain healthy vision and head off eye problems before they start. Standard eye exams involve a series of tests that use professional equipment to measure visual acuity and eye health, as well as diagnose common eye disorders. However, there are certain conditions that a regular eye exam does not test for, such as binocular vision dysfunction or double vision. Symptoms of double vision can indicate a greater problem, but most eye care professionals do not know what to look for.
Symptoms of Binocular Vision Dysfunction
Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) can cause extreme discomfort if not treated properly. BVD is caused by a misalignment of the eyes, which can lead those who suffer from it to experience symptoms such as headaches and dizziness, motion sickness, anxiety and sensitivity to light. With binocular vision dysfunction, reading becomes difficult as words appear to blend together and swim on the page. Double vision symptoms may also occur, resulting in deep frustration and even a fear of being in public spaces for the person suffering from BVD. To make matters worse, these symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as migraine disorders, vertigo or sinus headaches.
The frequency, intensity and type of symptoms vary from person to person, and can be triggered by sudden movements such as standing up too quickly, driving fast around curves or even just riding in the passenger seat of a car. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a neurovisual exam is necessary to properly check your eyes for any small misalignments.
Getting Fitted for Aligning Lenses
During a comprehensive neurovisual exam, a neurovisual specialist looks for the slight eye misalignments that are typically missed during a regular eye exam. This type of exam is extremely thorough, and can take two to three hours to complete. Specialized aligning prismatic lenses are used to correct these misalignments, resulting in a reduction or, in some cases, an elimination of symptoms.
At the Neuro Visual Center of New York, we provide comprehensive neurovisual exams for our patients, with additional office visits to adjust prescriptions. Our physicians, Dr. Cheryl Israeloff and Dr. Marissa Zimmerman, have been specially trained in the field of Neuro Visual Optometry and will conduct a series of extensive tests to check for any misalignments. To schedule your appointment at the Neuro Visual Center of New York, give us a call today at (516) 224-4888.
Hi – I would like to be examined, but live in Dallas, TX. Can you refer someone in my area or do I need to come see you? I have many of the symptoms you describe for BVD. Thank you for your help.
There are a couple of doctors in Texas that can evaluate you. Please visit the Vision Specialists of Michigan website there is a list of doctors and a map to find the closest to you.
All the best
What are the types of exams done? I have horrible anxiety due to all my dizziness and I am afraid some exams will just make it worse and bring it on more intense than what it already is.
We do many tests to check how your two eyes are working together. The testing usually does not trigger symptoms and we take it very slow if it does.
My husband has Meniere’s disease..he’s always dizzy and having a hard time on his daily walks. Also, has occiloppsia for yrs..his vision is deteriorating. Are there any specialists in N. CA that could possibly help him? His regular ophthamoligist just play guessing games with his eyes..no one has ever been any help and we WASTE money on glasses. thank you!
Please contact Dr. Vince Penza in San Francisco.
Can you reccommend anyone in the Boston area?
Hi Lisa,
Unfortunately we do not have a colleague in your state. We have many patients who come to us from the Boston area.
All the best
Are there any doctors in Atlanta,GA who specialize in this type of exam?
Please visit the Vision Specialist of Michigan website to find a trained doctor closest to you.
Hello! I’m curious who you would recommend in Illinois in the Chicago area? My son has been having these symptoms for over a year and they are progressively getting worse, especially the dizziness. He is only 18 and it can be debilitating.
Please visit the Vision Specialist of Michigan website. You will find a list of doctors specifically trained.
All the best
Came across this page as I was searching things up on the symptoms I have. Recommendations on anyone in New Jersey to see? You’re an hour and a half away from me.
Please visit the Vision Specialist of Michigan website to find a doctor closest to you.
Thank you for this! My husband has been having these symptoms and thought he is going crazy! Any doctors you can recommend in San Diego County, CA?
Please visit the Vision Specialist of Michigan website to find a doctor closest to you.
All the best
Are there contacts, or non- noticeable glasses, that we can have carefully prescribed, by your NeroVision approaches…
I’ve discovered, after 2 years, post Cataract surgery here in Boston, that eyeglasses here…do not correct! Just alittle imbalance, no headaches, no severe symptoms…
Both eyes, have different IOLs, and, one intermediate ( OD)& one, nearsighted vision (OS)… they can not get it straightened out!
See that you don’t have a MA. Colleage suggestion???? None at MEE? I’m an RN- sev myopic previous condition- gas perm contacts!
Hi Nancy,
We do not have a colleague in MA. In fact we see many patients from the Boston area. Your visual status has to be evaluated first to see if contact lenses are an option. We welcome you call our office for more information. 516-224-4888.
Do you know of anyone in the Salt Lake, Utah area that I can go to?
Please visit the Vision Specialist of Michigan website to find a doctor closest to you.