Did you know that vision can affect more than just your eyes, but also your balance? Balance is usually affected by 3 main systems in the body: the vestibular system, the visual system, and proprioceptors.
While many vision disorders can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam, vestibular disorders can be a little harder to detect when just examining the eyes. This month we want to educate our patients on the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for common causes of imbalance and dizziness and how we can help.
Signs and Symptoms
Reduced or poor vision can cause the muscles in the eye to work harder to achieve clear vision. Because the eye(s) are compensating for decreased vision, headaches, eyestrain, and balance disorders are common occurrences.
Some indicators that you may be suffering from a vision-related balance disorder include:
- Vertigo
- Double or blurry vision
- A recent concussion
- Spatial disorientation
- Binocular vision dysfunction
- Blindness in half of the visual field
- Involuntary and repetitive eye movements
- Visual midline shift syndrome.
Treatment
Anyone who experiences any of the symptoms or conditions above, should undergo a neuro-visual assessment. Patients with visual problems as a result of brain injury, disease, or other vision disorder could greatly benefit from receiving neuro-optometric rehabilitation and/or vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
We tailor our treatment plans based on each patient’s vision conditions and needs. Some of the treatments we often prescribe for patients struggling with balance disorders and dizziness include gaze stabilization exercises, balance training, and habituation exercises. These treatments have proven effective in reducing symptoms of vertigo, gaze instability, imbalance, and dizziness.
If you are struggling with imbalance and dizziness, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to talk with you about your treatment options and look forward to helping you experience optimal vision.