Did You Know That Vision Could be the Root Cause for Your Dizziness and Balance Issues?

In recent years, the important link between vision and our ability to balance has become better understood, and with that, we are better equipped to treat dizziness and other balance problems which are caused by a vision issue.

Call Us

(423) 710 3965

Did You Know That Vision Could be the Root Cause for Your Dizziness and Balance Issues? in Hixson

Find out if you need to see an optometrist by taking the Double Vision Quiz

The Link Between Vision and Balance

About twenty percent of the nerve fibers from the neural eye tracts (which connect the brain to the eyes) interact with the vestibular system (parts of the inner each which help control balance). So along with the various other causes of vestibular disorders which can negatively impact one’s ability to balance, damage to these important links between the eyes and the brain can cause dizziness or other balance problems.

You may have been told that closing your eyes while experiencing motion sickness or seasickness can help alleviate the symptoms. In other, more extreme cases of something impacting your bodily equilibrium, correcting the vision problem responsible can help.

Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Apart from the obvious dizziness, nausea, and trouble balancing that can come with vestibular disorders,other symptoms can include:

Vertigo
Spatial disorientation
Hearing abnormalities
Cognitive or psychological changes
Vision disturbances

Vision Issues Which Can Cause Vestibular Disorders

There are a number of common vision issues which can cause vestibular disorders and bring on symptoms of dizziness or trouble balancing.

Vertical Imbalance

Vertical imbalance is when the eyes are not properly synchronized, with one aiming higher than the other. In a natural attempt to compensate, people are likely to tilt their head to help align their eyes properly. This attempt to correct one problem can cause another, as it can destabilize the vestibular fluid in the inner ear, leading to dizziness and trouble balancing.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Binocular vision dysfunction is when the eyes are not properly working together as a team, and aren’t aiming together and accurately focusing on a single point. Injuries which disrupt this ability can cause issues with eye teaming and focusing, which in turn cause blurred and/or double vision, which themselves can easily cause dizziness and an inability to balance.

Aniseikonia

This is a vision condition where there is a significant discrepancy in how each eye perceives the size of images. It can cause eye strain, headaches, disorientation, dizziness, and balance disorders.

Diagnosis of Vision Issues Causing Dizziness or Balance Difficulty

An eye misalignment which is causing your dizziness or balanced issues can be so slight that standard vision tests won’t detect anything wrong. For this reason, it is important to have a completed functional visual assessment in order to conclusively determine if a vision issue is at the root of your problem.

Treatment for Dizziness and Balance Problems Caused by a Vision Issue

The surest way to eliminate the symptoms caused by these issues is to treat the underlying cause. Neuro-optometric rehabilitative therapy, combined with balance or vestibular therapy, can be an effective treatment to reduce, if not outright terminate, these symptoms.

Additionally, specialized prescription lenses which can be prescribed by a Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation certified optometrist can provide relief.

How Does Treatment Work?

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy consists of a personalized program of regular therapy sessions designed to refine, improve, or develop vision skills which have been lost or which the patient never had full access to. The treatments improve the brain eye connection by improving your ability to visually perceive and process what is around you.

The functional eye exam you take prior to diagnosis and treatment will also tell our optometrist which visual skills the treatment needs to focus on, ensuring a targeted treatment of your specific problems.

Depending on your situation, vestibular therapy (therapy designed to relieve symptoms of dizziness and restore your ability to balance properly) may also be recommended in addition to the neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy.

How Long Does Treatment Take

As with the treatment itself, this varies on a case-by-case basis. Some patients may require only a few weeks or treatment, while others may require treatment over a much longer period. However, in either case, the improvements seen during the course of the therapy tend to be long-lasting.

When Should I Seek Treatment

With this sort of problem, it is vital to get evaluated by our neuro-optometrist as soon as possible following the onset of symptoms, and, in the case of a traumatic brain injury, you should schedule an evaluation even if symptoms have yet to present themselves. The sooner you begin treatment, the better the chances of correcting the problems, and the less time it will take. This is because vision problems caused by traumatic brain injuries, if untreated, can worsen over time.

However, even if it is a long time after the injury, neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy can still be a great help. If you are experiencing dizziness or balance problems, contact us to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.

Summary

While it might not seem obvious at first glance, dizziness and difficulty balancing may well be caused by a vision issue, due to the important link between vision and the body’s complex system that enables us to balance and function properly. Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy is well equipped to treat these problems, and you are likely to see better results if you seek treatment quickly.

Learn More

Binasal Occlusion: Understanding Its Application and Benefits

Binasal occlusion is a technique used in neuro-optometric rehabilitation to reduce strain on the visual system, which can improve your gait and balance.

Vision Problems from Lyme Disease: How lyme disease can affect your vision and what a neuro-optometrist can do to help.

Lyme disease can cause a wide range of visual symptoms such as double vision and loss of vision, neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help to improve vision.

Uncontrolled eye movements: how nystagmus can affect your vision and how a neuro-optometrist can help

At our optometry clinic, we specialize in the diagnosis and management of Nystagmus, a condition that causes involuntary eye movements.

1 2 3 … 8 Next »

Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!

Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!

Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!