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Do you find going to a busy grocery store or mall overwhelming?
Do you find yourself suddenly nauseous from being in a car?
Visual motion sensitivity, also known as visual vertigo or visual motion sickness, is a condition characterized by a sensitivity to motion, particularly in the visual field. It can cause a range of symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, and fatigue, and can significantly impact a person's quality of life. The condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with binocular vision or visual processing, migraines, or certain medications. Visual motion sensitivity is sometimes a byproduct of a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. If left untreated, visual motion sensitivity can hinder daily activities and reduce overall quality of life.
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The symptoms associated with visual motion sensitivity can vary, but some of the most common ones include:
Patients with visual motion sensitivity may experience feelings of nausea and dizziness when they are exposed to certain visual stimuli. This can be particularly problematic when they are in a moving vehicle or trying to watch a fast-paced movie.
Headaches are another common symptom of visual motion sensitivity. Patients may experience a dull ache or a more severe migraine-like headache when they are exposed to certain visual stimuli.
Some patients may experience eye strain, blurred vision, or even double vision when they are exposed to certain types of visual stimuli.
Patients with visual motion sensitivity may be more sensitive to light than other individuals. They may experience discomfort or pain when exposed to bright lights, especially if those lights are flashing or changing rapidly.
Visual motion sensitivity can also cause anxiety in some patients. They may feel anxious or uneasy when they know they will be exposed to certain visual stimuli, or they may feel anxious in situations where they are unable to avoid those stimuli.
In severe cases, visual motion sensitivity can cause problems with balance and coordination. Patients may have difficulty walking or standing when they are exposed to certain visual stimuli.
Patients with visual motion sensitivity may experience vertigo, which is a sensation of spinning or whirling. This can be a very disorienting and uncomfortable symptom. Learn more about vertigo and its connection to visual motion sensitivity here.
Patients with visual motion sensitivity may feel tired or fatigued more easily than other individuals. This can be a result of the physical and emotional stress that this condition can cause.
If you are experiencing symptoms of visual motion sensitivity, it's important to visit our eye doctor in Hixson to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
These are some of the most common causes of visual motion sensitivity:
Disorders of the inner ear, such as vestibular disorders, can cause visual motion sensitivity. This is because the inner ear is responsible for balance and orientation, and when it is not functioning properly, it can cause visual disturbances.
Migraines are a common cause of visual motion sensitivity. Patients who suffer from migraines may experience a variety of visual disturbances, including sensitivity to light and motion.
Traumatic brain injury can cause a variety of visual disturbances, including visual motion sensitivity. This is because the brain is responsible for processing visual information, and when it is damaged, it can cause a variety of visual disturbances. To learn more about how traumatic brain injuries can affect your vision, please visit our website.
Anxiety and stress can also cause visual motion sensitivity. When patients are under stress or experiencing anxiety, it can cause physical symptoms, including visual disturbances.
Certain medications can cause visual motion sensitivity as a side effect. This includes medications used to treat migraines, depression, and other conditions.
Some eye conditions can cause visual motion sensitivity. For example, patients with astigmatism or other refractive errors may experience visual disturbances when looking at moving objects.
Sensory processing disorder can cause a variety of sensory disturbances, including visual motion sensitivity. This is because patients with sensory processing disorder have difficulty processing and interpreting sensory information.
There may be a genetic component to visual motion sensitivity. Some patients may be more susceptible to this condition due to their genetic makeup.
Diagnosing visual motion sensitivity involves several steps to identify the underlying cause of the condition. These are some of the most common methods used to diagnose visual motion sensitivity:
Taking a detailed patient history is an important first step in diagnosing visual motion sensitivity. This can help identify potential triggers and underlying conditions that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
A physical examination, including an eye exam, can help rule out underlying eye conditions that may be contributing to visual motion sensitivity. This may include checking for refractive errors, assessing eye movements, and checking for signs of ocular disease or injury.
A neurological examination may also be performed to assess the function of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This may include assessing reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination.
Patients with visual motion sensitivity may also undergo a sensory processing evaluation to assess how their brain processes sensory information. This may include evaluating how the patient responds to different stimuli, such as light and sound.
In some cases, diagnostic tests may be performed to help identify the underlying cause of visual motion sensitivity.
Oftentimes following an injury the brain might shift the image seen by our eyes. In turn the patient will shift their gait and how they hold themselves. This gives good information to our neuro optometrist on the current condition of the patient's vision.
Patients with visual motion sensitivity may also be asked to track their symptoms over time, including when they occur, how long they last, and what triggers them. This can help identify patterns and potential triggers that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
It is important to note that the diagnosis of visual motion sensitivity can be complex and may require the expertise of multiple healthcare providers, including neuro optometrists, neurologists, and other specialists. However, with a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, it is possible to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms.
There are several visual motion sensitivity treatment options available that can help alleviate symptoms and improve visual comfort and function. Here are some of the most common treatment options for visual motion sensitivity:
Making lifestyle modifications can help reduce the frequency and severity of visual motion sensitivity symptoms. Patients may be advised to avoid triggers, such as bright lights or fast-moving images, and to incorporate stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga.
Vision therapy is a type of treatment that involves a series of exercises and activities designed to improve visual processing, eye movement, and coordination. This may be beneficial for patients with visual motion sensitivity caused by issues with binocular vision or visual processing.
Depending on the underlying cause of visual motion sensitivity, medications may be prescribed to reduce symptoms. Anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or medications to treat migraine headaches may be used.
For some patients, wearing specialty lenses, such as tinted lenses or lenses with prism, may help reduce symptoms by altering the way light enters the eye.
In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to correct an underlying condition that is contributing to visual motion sensitivity, such as strabismus or nystagmus.
Color filters, such as those used in the Intuitive Colorimeter, can be used to determine if a specific color can reduce or alleviate visual discomfort.
Computer software programs that can alter images, such as those developed by the team at the Visual Processing Institute, can reduce the amount of movement in images and videos to alleviate visual motion sensitivity.
Virtual reality exposure therapy involves exposing patients to virtual environments that mimic real-world situations that trigger their visual motion sensitivity. This therapy can help patients desensitize to their triggers and reduce symptoms.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of visual motion sensitivity, don't wait to see our neuro optometrist. We understand the impact that this condition can have on a person's quality of life. That's why we urge you to schedule an appointment with us to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. With the right care and personalized treatment plan from our experienced neuro optometrists, you can improve your visual comfort and function and get back to doing the things you love. Contact us today at (423) 710 3965 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and start your journey towards better vision.
Patients with functional vision issues visit our clinic from all over Tennessee, and we are proud to be a leading provider of neuro optometric rehabilitation and functional vision services for patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Seems much less frustrated with life
Reads non-stop and fast
Spelling abilities have been hugely improved
Seems much more confident
Thank You!!!
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!!!
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