Children and BVD

Children suffering from Binocular Vision Dysfunction have a small amount of vision misalignment not found on routine eye exams. This condition can be something you are born with that becomes a problem over time. Or it can be caused a concussion or traumatic brain injury, such as a soccer/football game, cheerleading, or falling from a bike. The number and severity of symptoms are different for each child. For some, it really impacts their quality of life, causing many restrictions on what they can do.

For children ages 4 to 8 years old, common behaviors and symptoms of Binocular Vision Dysfunction can include:

• Poor handwriting (poor spacing, writing letters too big or small)

• Difficulty reading

• Avoiding activities

• Playing with toys very close to their face

• Sitting close to the TV

• Difficulty identifying shapes, colors, and numbers that are age-appropriate

• Difficulty seeing the class board

• Frequently bumping into objects

• Difficulty catching balls

• Stomach aches and headaches at school or away from home

• Light sensitivity

• Covering one eye to see

• Anxiety in public places

• Frequent squinting in order to see
  
  

For children ages 9 to 13 years old, common behaviors and symptoms of Binocular Vision Dysfunction can include:

• Repeatedly bumping into things while walking

• Having difficulty completing homework due to headaches and nausea

• Repeatedly reading the same things over and over

• Sensitivity to bright lights

• Closing one eye to make it easier to see

• Blurred vision when using the computer

• Blurred vision or tired eyes when looking at the blackboard in class

• Verbal skills that are ahead of reading skills

• Frequent blinking

How is BVD in Children Diagnosed?

To determine if your child’s dizziness and other symptoms are the result of Binocular Vision Dysfunction, we suggest you first see your primary care physician or specialist to rule out other causes of their symptoms. If no cause is found for their symptoms, then BVD might be the issue.

When you visit Old Saratoga Eyecare, you will be asked to complete a specialized questionnaire designed to screen for those who might have BVD, as well as complete a detailed Health History form.

An eye exam is performed to determine the need for correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism (a common imperfection in the eye’s curvature).

Following the standard eye exam, a specialized exam is performed (NeuroVisual Evaluation) to determine if your child has visual misalignment. If diagnosed with BVD, your child will be fitted with a trial version of new prescription lenses. Most children notice a significant improvement in their symptoms within just a few minutes of putting on the trial lenses. You can expect to spend approximately 3 hours in our office during your visit.

Get Your Children Treatment for Headaches and Binocular Vision Dysfunction

To determine if BVD is the cause of your child’s headache and other symptoms, our compassionate doctors at Old Saratoga Eyecare will complete a thorough NeuroVisual Examination to find the extent of your child’s vision misalignment and prescribe them a specialized pair of eyeglasses containing aligning micro-prism lenses that help the misaligned eyes work together as a team for improved vision.

Our specialized aligning lenses treat your child’s Binocular Vision Dysfunction, along with any additional vision impairments, to allow their eyes to create one clear image. This means there is no longer the constant struggle with your children’s eyes to realign their vision. Once the struggling ceases, your child’s eye muscles are able to relax, releasing the tension and providing them with relief from headaches, dizziness, clumsiness, and any other Binocular Vision Dysfunction symptoms they are experiencing. Treatment is simple and immediately effective.

Your children do not need to suffer from these debilitating symptoms caused by eye misalignment. Let our friendly, experienced staff at Old Saratoga Eyecare help your children with their Binocular Vision Dysfunction. Complete the age-appropriate screening questionnaire or contact us today to determine if we can help them find headache relief.