Visual information is crucial for learning, movement, and maintaining good posture, but did you also know that it’s an essential part of keeping your balance as well? It’s true. According to eye health experts, approximately 20% of the nerves leading from the brain to the eyes also influence the parts of the inner ear and brain that control balance, known as the vestibular system. This strong connection between the eyes and the vestibular system means that issues with your eyes can cause problems with your balance, including dizziness and motion sickness.
Often, issues with the vestibular system that are connected to the eyes result from a misalignment of the eyes known as vertical heterophoria. This binocular vision disorder makes it difficult for the eyes to work together to send consistent visual information to the brain to be combined into a single three-dimensional image. This results in the eyes having to work extra hard to bring the eyes properly into alignment in order to see properly, which can cause severe eye strain, leading to vestibular issues such as dizziness and loss of balance.
Can An Optometrist Diagnose Vertical Heterophoria?
Yes. If you are consistently feeling dizzy, nauseous or motion sick even when not in movement, you may be suffering from vertical heterophoria or another binocular vision disorder. You shouldn’t have to suffer. Contact our skilled neurovisual team immediately,
Our neurovisual eye doctors will work hard to find out the root of your visual and vestibular issues in order to find the best solution for you.
For more information on how your eyes may affect your sense of balance, and how our eye care team at can help, come visit us or give us a call at today!
Q&A
How can a neuro-optometrist treat my dizziness?
Balance problems and issues with dizziness that are related to vision are often treated with a combination of neuro-optometric therapy and vestibular or balance therapy. Special prism lenses prescribed by your neuro-optometrist may also help treat symptoms.
Can concussions and other head injuries cause vision problems?
Yes. Even a minor head injury can cause significant vision issues including double or blurry vision, trouble maintaining visual focus, and problems with visual tracking, convergence and divergence, visual processing, and more. Some of these symptoms can also cause loss of balance and dizziness.