Dizziness can have many causes, but vision is often overlooked as a contributing factor.
Your eyes play a key role in helping you maintain balance and spatial awareness. When the visual system is not functioning properly, it can create a sense of instability or discomfort.
In Calgary, where daily routines include driving, screen use, and navigating changing environments, even small visual imbalances can become noticeable.
At Eye Check Calgary, we often see patients who have explored other causes of dizziness before discovering that vision may be part of the issue.
WHAT IS VERTICAL HETEROPHORIA
Vertical heterophoria is a type of binocular vision dysfunction where the eyes are slightly misaligned vertically.
This misalignment may be very small, but it can cause the eyes to work harder to maintain single, clear vision.
Over time, this extra effort can lead to symptoms such as:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Eye strain
- Difficulty focusing
- Motion sensitivity
Because the misalignment is subtle, it may not be detected during basic vision tests.
WHY VERTICAL HETEROPHORIA CAUSES DIZZINESS
Your visual system works closely with your balance system. When the eyes are not aligned properly, the brain receives inconsistent visual input.
This can create a mismatch between what your eyes see and how your body perceives movement.
As a result, you may experience:
- A sense of imbalance
- Discomfort in busy visual environments
- Difficulty with depth perception
- Increased symptoms during movement
SIGNS THAT VISION MAY BE CONTRIBUTING TO DIZZINESS
It can be difficult to determine whether dizziness is related to vision.
You may notice:
- Dizziness that worsens with reading or screen use
- Headaches associated with visual tasks
- Sensitivity to light or motion
- Difficulty concentrating visually
- Feeling more comfortable when one eye is closed
If this sounds familiar, your visual system may be working harder than it should to maintain alignment.
HOW EYE EXAMS IN CALGARY DETECT VERTICAL HETEROPHORIA
A comprehensive eye exam is essential for identifying subtle alignment issues.
At Eye Check Calgary, we perform detailed assessments to evaluate how your eyes work together.
This includes:
- Measuring eye alignment and coordination
- Assessing binocular vision function
- Testing focusing ability during near tasks
- Evaluating overall eye health with advanced imaging
These tests allow us to identify small misalignments that may contribute to symptoms like dizziness and visual discomfort.
HOW VERTICAL HETEROPHORIA IS MANAGED
Management depends on the severity of the condition and your specific symptoms.
Possible approaches may include:
- Prism lenses to help align visual input
- Prescription lenses for visual clarity
- Vision therapy to improve coordination
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments
The goal is to reduce the effort required for your eyes to work together, improving both visual comfort and overall stability.
WHEN TO BOOK AN EYE EXAM IN CALGARY
If you are experiencing dizziness along with visual discomfort, it is important to consider all possible factors.
Consider booking an eye exam if you:
- Experience unexplained dizziness
- Have headaches linked to visual tasks
- Notice discomfort in busy environments
- Have not found clear answers through other evaluations
If dizziness and visual discomfort are affecting your daily life, contact us to book an eye exam today.
