Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) happens when your eyes don’t work together correctly. Each eye captures its own view of the world, and the brain combines these images to form a single, clear picture. If your eyes are slightly misaligned, it creates extra work for the brain, leading to discomfort and a range of symptoms.
BVD often goes undiagnosed, with many people assuming their symptoms are due to other issues like stress, migraines, or poor posture. However, understanding and addressing BVD can bring significant relief.
Recognising the Symptoms of BVD
BVD symptoms can appear mild but often disrupt everyday life. These are the most common signs to watch for:
- Frequent headaches, especially near the forehead or temples
- Dizziness, nausea, or feeling unsteady
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Strained or tired eyes, especially after reading or using screens
- Light sensitivity or trouble in bright environments
- Difficulty concentrating, leading to reduced productivity
- Neck, shoulder, or upper back pain
If any of the symptoms above seem familiar and happen regularly, it’s worth considering eye misalignment as the possible cause.
What Causes BVD?
The root cause of BVD is typically a subtle misalignment of the eyes. This may result from:
- Genetic factors affecting eye alignment
- Physical injuries, including concussions or whiplash
- Weakness in specific eye muscles over time
Even a tiny misalignment can create significant challenges for the brain as it works harder to adjust, which explains why symptoms can vary over time.
How BVD Impacts Daily Life
Living with BVD can feel exhausting. Tasks like reading, driving, or working on a computer become more difficult because your brain constantly overcompensates for misalignment. Over time, this can lead to worsening symptoms and even anxiety or avoidance of certain activities.
For children, BVD may present as learning difficulties or trouble focusing in school, often mistaken for attention issues. Due to ongoing discomfort, it can interfere with work, hobbies, and even adult relationships.
Diagnosing BVD
We use specialised tools and techniques to diagnose BVD accurately. The process begins with a detailed eye exam to identify misalignments and measure how your eyes function together.
We’ll also take the time to discuss your symptoms, daily challenges, and health history. This thorough approach helps us understand your needs and develop a treatment plan.
Treatment Options for BVD
The good news is that BVD is treatable, and the right approach can bring quick relief in most cases. Common treatments include:
- Prism glasses – These specially designed lenses adjust the alignment of the light entering your eyes, reducing strain and allowing your brain to process images more comfortably. Many people notice a significant improvement when they start wearing these glasses.
- Vision therapy – A structured program of eye exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve coordination. This approach can be particularly effective for addressing the underlying cause of BVD.
- Lifestyle modifications – Simple changes to your routine, such as adjusting the height of your monitor, improving your posture, or taking regular breaks from screen time, can make a big difference in managing symptoms.
All treatment plans are personal.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Living with BVD doesn’t have to be a struggle. If you’re dealing with headaches, eye strain, or dizziness, we can help. Contact Junic Eyecare today to book a consultation.
To visit our optometry practice, click the “Book Online” button at the top of the page or call (02) 6152 8585 today.

CANBERRA OPTOMETRIST
Juliet obtained her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Benin, Nigeria in 2006. She completed an internship programme before migrating to Australia, where she completed a master’s degree in public health at the University of Sydney in 2014. Following this, Juliet obtained a Master of Orthoptics from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 2017.
Juliet has completed her competency in optometry examination with OCANZ (Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand), and obtained her ophthalmic prescribing rights from ACO (Australian College Of Optometry Victoria). Juliet has worked in various positions, including retail Optometry, the Ophthalmology Department at Canberra Hospital, and more recently, at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (ANU).
As a dedicated Canberra optometrist, Juliet is passionate about helping people with low vision, and binocular vision anomalies hence her interests in Low Vision Rehabilitation, Eccentric Viewing Training and Paediatric optometry.