There are a variety of different factors that can cause headaches and dizziness, one of which is binocular vision dysfunction (BVD). With BVD, such symptoms occur due to a misalignment of the eyes that, in addition to headaches and dizziness, can also result in “ghost” or shadowed vision, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and double vision, in some cases. In addition, BVD patients often suffer from other eye problems, as well as issues with balance and problems with the vestibular system.
One type of binocular vision disorder is vertical heterophoria (VH). Any visual misalignment, no matter how small, puts a great deal of stress and strain on the eye muscles, causing them to become tired and overworked. It is at this point that the symptoms of VH begin to appear. Here, I describe the symptoms of vertical heterophoria, as well as the services we provide at the Neuro Visual Center of New York and the methods we use to treat this condition.
Symptoms of Vertical Heterophoria
As mentioned before, vertical heterophoria occurs when the eyes are misaligned vertically. For example, the right eye could be higher than the left eye or vice versa. Although this misalignment is usually imperceptible to the naked eye, the brain is aware of the problem and works to fix it, which can result in the eye muscles becoming overused. This struggle by the body to correct the vision can lead to chronic headaches, dizziness and even double vision symptoms.
There are certain actions it’s important to be aware of that can trigger VH symptoms. These include the following:
- Moving the head side-to-side.
- Riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle.
- Standing suddenly from a seated position.
- Driving fast on the highway with other cars whizzing by.
Symptoms such as these can also occur in patients suffering from other eye and ear disorders, which is why the condition is often misdiagnosed. Fortunately, the specialists at the Neuro Visual Center of New York are specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of binocular vision disorders. We will be able to definitively tell you if your vision problems are being caused by VH.
Treating Vertical Heterophoria With Prismatic Lenses
Drs. Cheryl Berger Israeloff and Marissa Zimmerman have years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of various binocular vision disorders, including VH. Through the use of a very thorough and comprehensive eye exam, they are able to diagnose and treat a variety of binocular vision problems and improve the lives of many BVD and VH patients. Treatment methods include prescribing custom prism glasses, prism contact lenses or multifocal contact lenses.
At the Neuro Visual Center of New York, we also offer a range of services that help achieve the level of comfort your eyes need. To find out more about these services and schedule your exam, contact our team by calling (516) 224-4888.
I have all of these symptoms (have misaligned eyes, vestibular migraines, etc.) that all started after Post Concussion Syndrome. I have had anxiety problems as well following this condition. The only symptom that I have which I do not see is pressure in ears. Have you seen patients who have pressure in their ears?
Does anxiety mAjes U dizzy ? Did prism helps ?
Hello I have been suffering 8 months of constant dizzy and pressure in my eyes . I feel like my life is being stolen away from me as I cannot drive because of all these symptoms .
I know the feeling . I did you do for treatment?
Yes many of my patients have pressure in the ears. Anxiety can make you feel dizzy but also dizziness can cause anxiety. It is important to figure out which is the cause. Please take the test on the website. That will help us to determine if your symptoms are coming from your eyes.
So even if patient is diagnosed with vertical Heterophoria its poosible that anxiety is the one who is causing dizziness so glases can’t help to reduce it ..?
If a person has vertical heterophoria then the realigning glasses will relieve the dizziness and anxiety.
What test ?!!!
I was in a head on car accident July 2014 and right from the start I was feeling lightheaded then gradually got worse, out of balance. Was instructed to do exercises by insurance company. Did a lot of neck movements pushing your head on your hand, first left, then right, then back etc. Did that twice in a 3 hour period. 6 weeks after doing all of these the physiotherapist did some soft tissue physio on my neck and all of a sudden felt an electricity type feeling go up my neck on both sides…just minor. Drove home and when got out of car had severe vertigo, dizziness and headaches. That was Sept. 2015 . Was bad for 3 weeks, took meds. I have investigated lots of Drs and went to an optometrist that found my vision field was smaller on left side. Been doing computer exercise program since end of Nov and still doing. Also did 25 session of syntonic light therapy. Do I have this condition? Been so out of balance for so long and I have all that is mentioned. Have been assessed with vestibular issues and now doing exercises then going to see ear specialist re vestibular issues to do further checking and rule other things out. Any comments, suggestions …I am at the end of my rope. I feel that the head on collision is when it all started. My eyes have been checked, also did lots of testing behind eyes 2 years in a row and my vision is perfect… What’s going on…?
It would be helpful for you to take our questionnaire. On the website nvcofny.com it says “Take the Test”. I would like to see how you score. Someone from my staff will call you with the results. We see patients from all over the country with post concussive syndrome. I look forward to getting your questionnaire.
Dr. Cheryl
I would like to take the quiz.
Hi Mike
Please visit our website to take the questionnaire. https://www.nvcofny.com/
I had an open invasive rhinoplasty 8 months ago. After 5 months, I woke up dizzy, and like I was in constant vertigo. It hasn’t stopped since that day. My eyes are always sore, moving them hurts, I can’t watch fast paced movies, and I feel like I’m always off balance. i was diagnosed with migraines…. but the painkillers do not get rid of the eye pain or weird vision. It has caused me to have total anxiety to even leave my home.
You should have a full binocular evaluation. VH could be your problem.
We should talk . Im in same situation. Im a year and 3 month from
My surgery
That’s so strange. I also have had a rhinoplasty done and got BVD within 3 years. I don’t know if that’s what caused it though.
Maria did you ever figure out the problem? I was in a bad accident as well and have all the same symptoms and everything comes back good with the doctors
Whenever am driving on the center and right side of the road,my hands will be shaking,also I will be feeling dizzy and anxiety. This has resulted in me not driving.
This started since 2015.it has affected my job.I have been to so many doctors .I wast to ask if my problem is associated with vertical heterophoria.
Do you feel dizzy any other times? Do you feel better if you cover one eye?
I have MS and Fibromyalgia.. I am a 43 and have been wearing contacts since i was 16 and multi focal contacts for 2 yrs now . I become dizzy alot more frequently now than before but when it gets worse is if i am outside for an extended time like watching my nephews baseball game .. i get car sick if i am not the driver now and when i goto any store its like i get visually overwhelmed and get really dizzy and nauseous.. its getting worse and is quite annoying.. just wondering if maybe something could be done to help ..
Hi Kary,
Yes it is very possible that we can help you. I have many patients with a similar medical history. If you fill out our questionnaire, someone from our staff will contact you.
All the best,
Dr. Cheryl
I am a college student who does a lot of reading and about 9 months ago developed a very bad bilateral temple headache with dizziness. However, in my home I don’t feel dizzy, it is just when I’m driving or in open spaces like airports, malls, Walmart, etc. My temple pain is always there but it’s worse some times more than others. I have also noticed that I need to wear my sunglasses more, so I feel like there is some light-sensitivity I’m experiencing. I’m wondering if VH can cause constant temple pain, dizziness only in open areas, and sore eyes. I’ve also noticed that my headaches and eyes aren’t necessarily worse when I’m doing an eye-straining task, but it’s more of a cumulative effect that can get me for days after the fact. I saw an ENT and they think everything is fine and maybe eye related, but I passed the cover and cross-cover tests just fine. Sometimes when I focus on my finger in front of me to create a double image that one of the images seems larger and out of place compared to the other. Thanks.
Hi Derek,
Yes, VH can cause all of the symptoms that you are experiencing.
Derek i also am a college student who does online school and experienced all of this as well. I was researching amd came across this problem, and hope to be evaluated soon!
I am 20 years old and September of 2015 i was in a car accident where i was hit by a drunk driver and left with Post Concussion Syndrome after my head almost went through my window.For the past year or so i have been having feelings like motion sickness when i Run, Walk, Drive, Watch TV, Shower or see bright or flashing lights. It has gotten worse over time and now when i am driving i feel as if i am floating and my eyes cant focus on the road. I now always feel like i have vertigo and it is worse after waking up after driving at night. I don’t have insurance and so i am unable to see a doctor and ran across this page and wondering if it can cause any of my problems. I am no longer driving my car because i am worried i am putting people around me in danger.
Hi Rebekah, All of your symptoms can be caused by a head injury from a car accident. Try covering one eye and see if that helps.
Dr. Cheryl
Thank you for responding. Covering one eye does not seem to help. It actually seems to make my vision worse. After I had seen a neurologist in February of 2016 I can’t remember exactly when but I did see an eye doctor who said I just had dry eyes and that was it. My vision just seems to worsen. I suffer from post concussion syndrome and mild cognitive impairment and it’s almost been two years and I’m still in the same place I was after my accident. I unfortunately lost my Insurance because I had to quit my job because of the memory problems. I have suffered for as long as I have because no doctor will see someone unless they have insurance or a lot of money and at 20 years old it makes it difficult. Before my accident I had no eye problems or head problems so it is just very frustrating. Thank you for your help!
…I have had an issue with feeling off balance for several years that it has robbed me of enjoying life…saw a balance Dr in Orlando and had many tests very odd tests and he said I had inner canal dehisence syndrome…I believe when I eat gluten my symptoms are worse…cannot turn around without feeling like I am falling…feel better if I walk really fast or run…it gets really bad attempting to stand still…while driving it is very difficult to get into other lanes on the highway especially to the right…hard to explain…while standing still feel like I am going to fall backwards like my head is swaying…in the past I had to crawl to get into my house etc…awful awful awful….
Hi Janice,
Did you have a temporal bone CT scan? That is how a dehiscence is diagnosed. If you do have one there is a specialist at Johns Hopkins that I highly recommend. To see if there is a visual component to your symptoms, see if covering one eye helps.
Dr. Cheryl
I had a stroke in 2011. Since then I have had much trouble with driving, anxiety, and eye pain. My right eye gets a feeling like someone is pushing it from the inside. Also if you follow around the top of my head to the back, a straight line from the right eye pain, I have discomfort there. My dizzyness while driving I would classify as severe. I have done the eye test and it seemed to help. I am on medicare and disability, at 43 years old, that is how bad it has gotten. I live 2 1/2 hours from Houston, do you have any suggestions? Thank you
Please visit the Vision Specialists of Michigan website to find a doctor in Texas.
Hello! Two years ago I started feeling like I was on a rocking boat. It’s a sensation of waves. I feel better when in the car because I am actually in motion. Stores are AWFUL. I used to love to shop and now I can hardly go into a store. I tried to figure out if turning my head in the store was the issue or the florescent lights. It seems to be both. I also have very tender muscle pain on my inner eye lids. I have seen a few doctors but all give conflicting diagnosis. Some tests in a rotational chair and Vemp showed the horizontal nystagmus induced by the chair was Severe Left Directional Perponderance. I was checked for a “third window” but it was negative. I wake up FINE each morning and by 9:30 or so the rocking kicks in. ANY THOUGHTS are welcome to get me off of this “boat.”
Try covering one eye to see if you feel better. If you do there is a visual problem that we can help.
Please take our questionnaire so we can score the level of your symptoms
I am having driving issues as explained on this site, it started months ago then it subsided, and i was able to resume driving on the highway, now its back. I did not have any accident or illness. Could it be HV? I watched one of the video testimonials on your website and it sounds just like what I have. My ears do feel weird while I am driving too.When i try to explain it to people they think I am crazy. This website has been really helpful.
Could you refer a doctor in the Boston area that could help? I cant drive on the highway much at all so no way I can get to NY. – Thanks
Hi Deb,
We are the closest Neuro Visual Clinic to the Boston area.
Please help me i am suffering i have a Cruise to go on oct 27/2017 needs some help before bording that ship
Please call our office for more information. 516-224-4888
Hello Dr Cheryl. I’ve been watching your videos and I’m convinced I have vertical hererophoria. My big question is can the symptoms make an appearance for months and slowly get better but come back years later? I’ve had two eye exams been to several neurologists had Mri spinal tap eeg I’ve been through it all. Thank you for helping so many people get their life back!
HI Tyler,
People can get more symptomatic at stressful times in their lives. This is a muscle system so there are times when the body can not compensate as well. The Neuro Visual examination is different than a routine eye exam. Please log onto our website to take the questionnaire. https://www.nvcofny.com/
Hi Doc,am joe from Nigeria. I was mistakenly hit on top of my head by a sleeping roommate, he used his elbow, but the impact wasn’t strong,I felt dizzy,fuzzy in my ears and ringing…Its been months and i don’t seem to be in my body,i struggle to read,remember and watch TV,my memory is bad! I can’t think like a First class chemical engineering student that i am..I feel lost,this not me
Sorry Jonathan that you are feeling unwell. You should seek out a concussion clinic in your city.
Hi! I’ve been suffering from an unbalanced feeling for months now. I experience it moreso in open spaces like department stores or when I’m driving and I tend to favor or lean more towards one side when I’m trying to walk and balance myself. My right eye seems more blurry than my left even when I have my glasses or contacts on. Could this be VH?
Yes it could be VH. Please visit our website https://www.nvcofny.com/ and fill out the questionnaire.
Hi, i always feel imbalance, specially in crowded places , in heavy traffic it becomes terrible, i barely walk in a busy street, i am quite comfortable in home or lonely places, always feel heaviness in my head, sometimes i feel pain behind my right eye, please help
Hi Akhil,
We invite you to visit our website and fill out the questionnaire. This way we can score your symptoms and see if you are a good candidate for care.
Hi – Is there anywhere in the UK that you would recommend for the Treatment of vertical heterophoria? Any suggestions would be very helpful.
Thanks
Jamie sullivan
Hi Jamie,
I am sorry we currently do not have any colleague that we know of outside of the US.
Hi ,
I have dizziness , balance issues , get disturbed in crowd and pressure in ears and tinnitus , can’t focus on one object , anxiety . More issues are when I stand and coordinate . Can these be all related to VH ? Let me know where I can take test in tampa FL ?
The only doctor in Florida is in Boynton Beach. Dr. Erin Sonneberg 561-733-9008
Did this helped with you problem? Because I have all those symptoms 1 year now and I see couple of doctors.
Thanks,
Thanos
Could you recommend where I can get tested for VH in Australia. I have many of the symptoms you described and getting worse as I get older.
Hi Jo,
We are sorry but we do not have a colleague in Australia to refer you to.
Hi,
I’ve been feeling a little dizzy for a years now…didn’t think much about it, I thought it was because I was very tired but lately I’ve been feeling dizzy while I sit in front of the computer or just stand. It is worse when I look at the sky, I feel like I’m going to fall…not all the time but more times then I would like. For a couple years I told this to my doctor and he would “drain me of blood” but nothing came out of it other than my cholesterol is high-normal and blood pressure is also high-normal…but both still in the acceptable areas. I worked on reducing both but nothing has helped and I do remember my mother having migraines that would cause nausea and cold sweats….well I’ve been getting these lately and I’ve also noticed that I get most dizzy when I try to focus on things….just now I focused on what I’m typing and lo and behold I got a little movement.
Hi Joseph,
You may be suffering from BVD. Please take the questionnaire on our website so we can accurately score our symptoms.
HI
I am 52 years old i struggle to drive at slow and high speed. I get dizzy when i am driving . I went for eye test,blood tests,but every thing is normal. I struggle to drive knowing that it will happens again. I have pressure at the back of my eyes when dizziness kicks in while driving and every thing is blurring. Can you please help me with this problem. i am rely scared to drive these days.
Dirk Slabbert
Hi Dirk, Please take the questionnaire on our website so we can accurately score your symptoms. https://www.nvcofny.com/
I am having a lot of the same symptoms like a lot of these folks. As long as I am not in to too much motion not too bad. I can’t walk over 10 minutes at a time or it comes on. Just wonder what closest place can check for this closest to Paducah, Kentucky
You can contact Dr. David Blair in Burlington. He is the only Neuro Visual Medicine Specialist in Kentucky.
Anyone in Louisville, KY?
Dr David Blair is in Burlington.
Did you do any tests or or treatment? Are you feeling better?
Hello, I took the quiz but didn’t submit it as I’m from Canada. I wear glasses and have had bifocals since I was 10. I must admit I’m not really sure how it works, but I was told that the bifocals are for tracking. For me, the major symptom is that it feels like my brain can’t keep up with my eyes. The question on the quiz regarding feeling overwhelmed in a large store very much suited me. I feel overwhelmed walking down aisles in stores and feel like I can’t focus on the products. Could this be caused by BVD?
Thanks
Yes, feeling overwhelmed in stores, large open spaces, and supermarkets is a very common symptom of BVD.
Is there a doctor you could recommend in Colorado?
I am sorry we do not have a colleague in the state of Colorado.
Do you have any colleague in Hartford Ct. area?
No I am the closest Neuro Visual Medicine Specialist to you. There is no one in Connecticut.
Is there a doctor in Ct. you could recommend?
I am sorry there is no one in Connecticut. We are the closest Neuro Visual Specialist near you.
Hi doctor
I’ve had lasik three years ago because I suffered from high myopia. It’s all been good until I started experiencing dizziness and headaches,at first I was diagnosed with vestibular system issues so I began the treatment and it did help a bit but after a while I started experiencing dizziness again so I went to an orthoptist and he diagnosed me with convergence insufficiency I’ve done a few sessions and to be honest I felt like the dizziness was so much better but I noticed each time I spend a lot of time in front of a computer or drive for a prolonged time I start experiencing dizziness and headaches again, is it possible that I suffer from vertical heterophoria and i’ve been miss diagnosed ?
Yes, it is very possible that the vertical component was missed. We see this very frequently with patients who were diagnosed with convergence insufficiency.
Do you have any doctors in Oklahoma or Texas that you’d recommend for testing!
Thank you!
Please visit the Vision Specialist of Michigan website to find a the doctor closest to you.
Following Labyrinthitis, I was diagnosed with Vestibular Migraines and am about to start Vestibular Rehab Therapy. While the diagnosis was happening I went for an eye test where VH was spotted. I’ve been prescribed 0.5 Prisms (which I haven’t picked up yet).
Frankly I don’t know which condition is causing my issues so I’m not sure whether I should be primarily focusing on treating the VM or the VH- is there an easy way to tell or will each medical profession always claim it’s their condition that’s causing all of the problems?
Very often there is a combination of problems with dizzy patients. Try the lens first. I hope you feel better soon.
Dr. Cheryl
I live in California. Is there a Doctor/Center here you would suggest?
Dr. Vince Penza
Dear Dr Israeloff,
For several months I have been suffering from a near-perpetual dissociative dizziness. It feels like seeing the world through a film, or like a visual intoxication while sober. Sometimes my vision is blurred especially in the background plane. These symptoms are associated with heightened light sensitivity and are worst in broad daylight and fluorescent lit spaces. When reading I frequently lose my place and have to re-read, and screens often look blurry, especially while typing. Not long after the visual symptoms started, I began having constant neck-aches and headaches (the latter in my temples, ears, top and back of my head). After watching your videos I noticed that I frequently tilt my head when focusing my vision, something I don’t remember doing before. While “dizzy” and “light-headed” are the first words that come to mind to describe my symptoms, I haven’t experienced vertigo or spinning sensations, or presyncope, and I haven’t had much trouble navigating stairs and sharp turns, i.e. balance doesn’t seem to be an issue. It’s more like a strange heaviness of vision. A standard eye exam and neurological exam yielded no findings. I am wondering if these particular visual symptoms can be associated with VH.
Thank you.
Hi Tom
Yes, your symptoms can be coming from your eyes. Please go to our website https://www.nvcofny.com/ and take our questionnaire. We will contact you with the results.
All the best
Dr. Cheryl Berger Israeloff
Can stress and anxiety cause Vertical Heterophoria symptoms to suddenly appear?
There are many overlapping symptoms of anxiety with VH. It is important to determine if the decompensating Vertical Heterophoria was causing the anxiety from moving images.
Am from Nigeria, am having this eye strains where by my vision is not normal. Its really bad. I.e one feeling as if your drunk, dizzy all the time and also, I feel too sensitive to light and my head is as if its heavy inside.
Its up to a month now, and the issue is till the same.
I have been using hypromellose (for dry eye) 0.5% w/v eye drop also timotol eye drop previous . but it is still no positive effect on the eye.
Just want to be normal again, thanks for your positive opinion..
Hi Meyi
We are sorry that you are suffering. We can not comment on specific cases over the internet. It seems that you may have glaucoma. You should try to find a specialist in your country.
All the best
Hello,
Can these symptoms literally come on in a matter of days and feel overwhelming within a week? I have been under high stress at work and home and also just began graduate work about 5 weeks ago – so a lot going on! I also have a history of recurrent corneal erosion in the eye most affected that resulted in several surgeries – all within the last year and a half.
My symptoms are:
headache, sinus infection type symptoms like facial pressure, nose popping sound, full ear feeling, jaw pain (but no drainage, or mucus, or cold), some dizziness and nausea, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and what I can only peg as very strained eyes feeling.
Yes these problems can come on suddenly under times of visual stress.
Hey i have the same symptoms, did you get rid of your symptoms or did you get diagnosed ? I’m a bit worried and puzzled and can’t understand what doctor to visit .
Hi Dr. My name is Tasneem. I am from Alberta, Canada. 4 years ago i woke up with some weird pressure on my head. And exactly 3 days after while i was driving i had a complete black out. Ever since that moment i have been feeling off balance, dizzy, have extreme anxiety while driving which has now resulted in getting full blown panic attacks, tired and strained eyes and many other vh like symptoms. In all these years i have been to several doctors with absolutely no positive result. So i started to look for an answer online and found this website. I am pretty positive that i have VH. So i went to see an optometrist who did a thorough eye exam for two hours and then prescribe prismatic lenses. I am not sure if he prescribed it for diplopia or if he actually thought that i am suffering from VH. I have been wearing my new glasses for 3 days now but it does not seem to help much. My major concern is having extreme difficulty with driving and i have no way out but to drive. How longs does it take to adapt to the new glasses and will i be able to every feel normal again.
I am not sure of the method used to prescribe your prescription. We have no colleagues in Canada so I am sure that our protocol was not followed.
Dr. Cheryl
hey miss Tasneem i hope you’re doing great i wanted to ask if you’re still having the symptoms and was yoyr diagnoses correct , and did the prism glasses worked for you?
I have similar symptoms especially driving at night.Do you have representatives in Boston..thank you
No I am sorry we do not have a colleague in your state. We have many patients who come to us from the Boston area.
I am 36 years old and drive a lot for work. I’ve noticed that when I drive more than 5 plus hours I have vertigo like symptoms after completing the drive. I lay down to go to sleep and my head and body feel like they are moving. I feel very dizzy and I can’t sleep. Just recently drove 8 hours one way and had this issue when I arrived at destination and also upon my return. Had same issue previously on a few other trips so it’s becoming a pattern. I started researching what could be the issue and came upon Vertical heterophoria. Can this condition just start out of the blue?
Hi Jennifer,
You may have been compensating for the misalignment your whole life. Now that you are getting older the symptoms maybe appearing, especially when you are fatigued.
Hi, I am a 21 year old female who has been suffering from dizziness for about a year now. I had really bad brain fog and dizziness and have seen every specialist I can think of without relief of my symptoms. They originally thought I had BBPV but even after 9 sessions I did not notice any improvement. My MRI, blood work, VNG and any other tests pertaining to my symptoms have come up clean. I recently can across an article about VH and have always noticed that I’ve had a slight head tilt since childhood. I do have an asymmetrical face which I have always been self conscious about but I never thought it could pertain to my symptoms. I have been trying to find the right doctor for treatment for a while now, I live in Colorado and am unsure who to see so that I do not waste my time anymore.
Hi Jordan
We responded to your questionnaire.
All the best
The Neuro Visual Center
I was diagnosed with vertical phoria several years ago. I am a professional pilot, (not with airlines so mandatory retirement age is not an issue), so my livelihood depends on good vision. It was not something that bothered all the time, so I had not bothered with the prism lense compensation glasses. The last several months it had got to the point that it bothered more often than not. I finally elected to go with the prism. I just got them yesterday, and am adjusting to them. I don’t like the idea that if I decide to go without my glasses now while at home, my eyes will be severely misaligned. Is it possible to have corrective surgery for this condition and how would this affect my FAA medical that I need for flying? Age 63 and in excellent health.
Every case is different. Without examining you we cannot comment on your specific case. Please contact your doctor.
All the best.
Can you please recommend where I can get tested for VH in Southern California, preferably near Irvine? Thank You
Please visit the Vision Specialist of Michigan website to see the closest doctor trained to treat VH in your area.
Hi, I have been to various doctors and my ENT and Vestibular physical therapist concluded that it is vestibular migraines after ruling out all other issues and good MRI but there is no evidence for me to believe that. On the other hand, I have been to an ophthalmologist in Peoria, IL and he concluded that I have VH after conducting some special tests. He said that mine was very little difference. He gave me lens with prism (some horizontal and some vertical). I am currently on my second adjustment and it is been nearly 2 months. I still have same symptoms :(. My eyes not the same, pressure behind eyes, Brain fog, all of sudden anxiety and not able to drive on highways and not able to watch TV peacefully. So, is it possible that my eyes needs some more time (more than 2 months) to get adjusted to this prism? Also, is there any way to distinguish between Vestibular migraines Vs Vertical heterophoria? By the way, I am also Vitamin D deficient and taking medicines for that. Appreciate your response. It really helps. Thank you very much in advance!
I would contact your doctor. You may just need more time to adjust. Also, if you are on any anti anxiety medications that may be interfering with getting a stable prescription.
All the best
Dr. Cheryl
Thank you Dr. Cheryl. I am visiting my doctor again next week. In your service, have you seen any patient who have gone through more than 2 adjustments and took more than 2-3 months to get used to these prismatic lenses? I am just curious. Also, did any of your patients complained anxiety, discomfort watching TV especially action movies? Also, is there any LASIK option for this condition(VH)? Appreciate your response. Have a great weekend!
Hi Chakradar, there are so many factors with adaptation. I can not comment on your specific case. Lasik does not correct VH.
All the best
I noticed my vision was a little funky after an eye exam with a new rx of contacts in. After a few months of continuous wearing of the contacts, only soaking a few times and not having anything else to use put in my I continued to wear them. I had to do a lot of reading recently and all the symptoms of hv were full blown out to dinner with my husband. I noticed whenever I took my contacts out the symptoms were gone. I also have MS. I went to Walmart eye dr. and got a new RX for contacts and a fresh pair…. I’m no longer experienceing any dizziness, eye pressure, ear pressure, sore face, or terrible headaches…… could something like bad contacts or the wrong rx of contacts cause something like hv or should I assume it’s my MS
An incorrect contact lens prescription can mimic the symptoms of VH. Glad that you are feeling better.
I was treated for vertical hyperphoria by a functional neurologist. The neurologist has claimed that my eye tracking has improved and my eye alignment is better. Going to her I was seeking help with processing information which wasn’t completely necessary since I am close to graduating with honors from NC State. I don’t know what I was thinking. But anyways since the treatment I have been having trouble processing written information when reading. It is causing me a lot of stress and anxiety as I am trying to finish up school.
Hi Michael.
I am not sure how a functional neurologist can diagnose vertical heterophoria as it is a binocular vision dysfunction that is diagnosed in a specialized eye exam. Moreover, this can not be treated with exercises. We do not have any conscious control over our vertical eye muscles. If you need more information please visit our website https://www.nvcofny.com/.
All the best
Dr. Cheryl Berger Israeloff
Okay but is there anyway that this type of treatment could cause processing problems during reading to become worse?
my bad it is heterophoria I believe but during the treatment she put me through a series of intensive eye exercises to try to resolve the issue .
So is there any way that treatment for vertical heterophoria could make reading processing worse? I am not understanding what I am reading. I am not sure if it is ocd or the eye exercises that she put me through to treat this condition.
Hi Michael,
You need to ask your doctor. We are not sure what eye exercises you have done. We are not aware of exercises to correct Vertical heterophoria.
Hello doctor, I have 3.00 myopia and 0.50 – 0.75 to my L and R eye. The last 3-4 years i cannot comfort my eyeglasses because i feel my eyeglasses are sorting crooked to my face, eventhough my optometrist told me that my eyeglasses are completely straight on my face. To comfort myself, i manually crook my glasses every time i wear them, so that my left lense is lifted upwards than my right lense. What could cause this issue doctor, can Vertical heterophoria cause discomfort with eyeglasses ?
Yes, vertical heterophoria can cause discomfort with eyeglasses. This is very common with people who have different prescriptions in the two eyes.
Greetings,
I have been treated for VH by Dr. Penza in San Francisco Aug 2019. My symptoms where chronic dizziness 24/7, imbalance, tension headaches 24/7, anxiety and dizziness in visually stimulating areas ie Malls, big open inclosed spaces, and complex geometric patterns. I also had lots of light Sensitivity.My prism prescription has been adjusted 3 times since then my August. I would say symptoms have decreased by about 80% however I still get imbalance and dizziness. Is it common for the prism prescription continue to change as the eye muscles get better? Note I also have a really bad astigmatism in both eyes.
Hi Christopher,
I am glad you are doing better. Yes your eye muscles can change. I can not comment on your specific case, as each patient is different. The vestibular history is also very important. Please contact Dr. Penza with further questions.
All the best
Dr. Israeloff
Christopher do you feel better now? I have the same conditions and have seen ENR specialists, did balance tests, audiology tests and brain MRI and they found nothing. I am desperate, I have those symptoms for 1 year now. I am always anxious and I may have depression due to that. I will try the exam. I guess it is only Dr. Penza that does the exam in SF right? I also live in San Francisco. I found about the vertical heterophoria yesterday and it seems that the symptoms are exactly what I have. All started with two incidents of vertigo when I woke up for which they suggested me to do the epley maneuver and they go away. But 3 days after the second incident I started having imbalance when I was walking and headaches and coordination issues especially while walking. Also computer screen and videos make me very dizzy. And of course super markets and places with people or fast moving objects.
Can BVD cause multiple chemical sensitivities or heighten them?
We are not aware of this link
Hello,
I am wondering if visual symptoms such as words appearing to move/jump while reading and also busy patterns, IE- clothing/blankets, carpets/rugs, those kind of objects with patterns, appearing to move when looking at them could be visual symptoms related to this condition. I saw a vision specialist recently and diagnosed with vertical misalignment and recently was prescribed prism glasses, but they haven’t seem to help the visual symptoms I’ve been experiencing.
Also just to add, the symptoms of patterns and words moving goes away when one eye is closed.
Please call your doctor. If the symptoms go away when you close one eye, then you are experiencing a binocular vision dysfunction.
All the best
The Neuro Visual Center
For the last 3 years my vision has been getting more blurry. I already have anxiety but now with my vision the way it is I almost feel like I’m losing my mind! My heart races I get to a place where I can’t escape that feeling of being overwhelmed an inconsolable.i need help. My eye doctor says there is elevated pressure in my eyes I also have one eye with a different perception then the other on my glasses. I had almost 2020 vision an could see every detail in pictures flowers an now I can’t see anything close up. Even now far away things r starting to get blurry. It makes me very scared!!!!!!! I close my eyes an pray that when I open them I will be able to see better.terrified to go to the eye doctor so scared he will give me bad news an with all the anxiety I have I will freak out!!!!!
Hi Dr Cheryl Berger Israeloff, I have had a stroke on 13/03/2020 and I now have a 7 to 11 diopter increase in elevation in my right eye only. I am 68 years with no requirenent for lenses in either eye. I know that you dont treat anyone outside the US but do you know of any one in Australia that may be able to treat me.
Hi Ray,
We actually have many patients from outside the US. Unfortunately, due to COVID we have not been able to see those patients right now. The good news is that I do have a colleague to refer you to. Dr. Andrew Taylor in Albany Australia.
All the best.
I have seen ENR specialists, did balance tests, audiology tests and brain MRI, tested for MS and they found nothing. I am desperate, I have had symptoms for 18 years. I am always anxious and have found myself entering into depression-like state on many occasions. Most recently I cannot even sit at the computer screen (my job requires 9+ hrs per day) without feeling lightheaded. Do you have anyone local to Pittsburgh PA?
Please visit the vision specialists of Michigan website to find a doctor closest to you.
Sent questionnaire. Recent diagnosed with viral labrynthitis post cruise and treated unsuccessfully with high dose steroids. I am hopeful finding info about VH as I have been having intense driving anxiety with curves, cars driving past for about nine months. I have been having chronic intermittent wobbling dizziness since starting a new job with constant computer use and since a major motion sickness episode on a cruise for 6+ weeks despite treatment for labrynthitis. I have experienced intermittent head/neck pressure, ear pressure and occasional focus issues with computers or books for 9+ months. Maybe longer, but those are when symptoms have been most obvious. Please help, my life has been completely changed and anxiety is high!
Hi Ashley,
I am not sure where you are located. If you are traveling distance to New York. Please call the office at 516-224-4888. If not please visit the Vision Specialist of Michigan website to find the closest trained doctor to you.
All the best.
Hi. I have been having wavy like on a boat balance issues so I got a VNG test yesterday afternoon and got a really bad headache right after the test and now it’s 20 hours later and I still have this headache along with cold sweats. I don’t usually get headaches Do you know if this type of thing is normal after a VNG test. Thanks
Hi Isabelle,
We hope that you are feeling better. You should contact your ENT if you have not already. Sorry it took a while for a reply.
The Neuro Visual Center
Can BVD cause tinnitus? Or is it the migraine / dizziness caused by BVD that then triggers tinnitus?
Tinnitus is not caused by BVD but often people with tinnitus and other inner ear issues also have BVD. Hope this helps.
I recently had laser surgery on my right eye for a small tear in my retina. It was so painful I started to faint and vomited. Within two days I developed vertigo – severe spinning when I look up to the left and relax my focus and when sitting up from a lying position. My opthalmologist went on 2 weeks vacation immediately after my surgery but I was concerned and went back to the ER in the hospital where I was treated. The doctor did some manoeuvers to ensure I did not had a stroke and diagnosed me with BPPV. He said there was absolutely no connection between the eye surgery and my dizziness. I’m going for some physio to treat that today, but I want to know if a botched laser surgery could be the cause. Everything I’ve read has said that the laser surgery should not be painful.
Please contact your retina surgeon.