If you’ve been struggling with symptoms like dizziness, light sensitivity, and disorientation—and have been told it’s just anxiety—you’re not alone. These symptoms may actually be caused by Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD).
How BVD Can Mimic Anxiety:
The eyes constantly send signals to the brain to help you interpret the world around you. If they’re misaligned, even slightly, your brain has to work harder to process images. This can cause symptoms such as:
- Feelings of panic in crowded spaces
- Difficulty navigating visually busy environments
- Headaches and pressure around the eyes
- Nausea, especially when reading or using screens
- Difficulty focusing, which can feel like mental fog
- Feeling overwhelmed, nervous breakdowns, or sensory overload when driving
These symptoms may lead to emotional stress, which is why BVD is sometimes misdiagnosed as an anxiety disorder. In fact, some patients are treated for anxiety for years without improvement—because the real issue is visual, not psychological.
OCVT’s Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
At the Optometry Center for Vision Therapy, our advanced diagnostic tools allow us to detect the specific eye teaming problems associated with BVD. Unlike traditional eye exams, we assess how well the eyes work together and how visual input is processed by the brain.
Our customized therapy programs work to correct the underlying issue rather than masking the symptoms. Sessions are safe, non-invasive, and customized to each patient’s needs. Over time, therapy helps:
- Reduce overstimulation from visual input
- Improve balance and coordination
- Restore confidence in public or crowded settings
As your visual system becomes more efficient and aligned, patients often report a significant reduction in their “anxiety” symptoms. For many, discovering BVD is a turning point in their health journey—offering long-awaited answers and effective solutions.
If traditional anxiety treatments aren’t working, consider a vision evaluation at OCVT. It might be the breakthrough you’ve been searching for.
