How Facial Asymmetry Affects Vision

Facial asymmetry is something we all have. It is more pronounced in some people than others. When a face has a lot of asymmetry, the imbalance can cause vertical heterophoria. The person may not be aware of this, but may experience recurring symptoms such as headaches and dizziness.

In a face with asymmetry, one eye can physically be higher than the other. This will cause visual images to appear on the retinas of each eye at different points. The retina functions like a film on the back of the eye and, working in tandem with eye muscles, attempts to focus one image. This process usually works seamlessly and so fast that we are not aware of it. However, in a person who has vertical heterophoria, the eyes really struggle and strain to deliver this coherent, unified image. This extra effort can cause headaches and dizziness.

Vertical heterophoria (VH) can often be recognized in people by their bone structure and facial asymmetry. A binocular vision disorder, VH has symptoms ranging from anxiety to headaches and dizziness, light sensitivity, neck ache, head tilt, facial pain, unsteady feeling while walking and motion sickness.

Get a Proper Diagnosis

It is important to be properly diagnosed so that you can identify if you have a binocular vision disorder like vertical heterophoria and get it treated right away. Headaches and dizziness are common symptoms of other conditions and after effects of accidents.

In order to identify and treat vertical heterophoria, your doctor must be specially trained and have the proper equipment for testing. At the Neuro Visual Center of New York, we provide specialized care for our patients in binocular vision disorders like VH. Our primary physician, Dr. Cheryl Berger Israeloff, can help patients answer questions and concerns about any eye discomfort or strain they are experiencing.

Contact Us

At the Neuro Visual Center of New York, we can help you identify and treat any binocular vision disorders you may have. You will be able to see better and also reduce any symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. Contact us at (516) 224-4888 to learn more. Our specialists are eager to assist. We can help answer your questions, schedule your appointment and get you the help you need immediately.

Testimonials

Prior to being treated by Dr. Cheryl, I constantly felt off balance. I had suffered from frequent migraines since I was 12 years old. I often suffered from neck/ back pain, and always felt like I was straining my neck and/or tilting my head to focus on the computer. My family had always noticed that I walked a bit sideways as well, but they attributed that to me being "clumsy". I had awful anxiety about walking down flights of stairs or through the mall, as I always had this irrational fear of falling. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and depression, as I would tend to avoid social situations where I felt uncomfortable or not in control. At my annual eye exam, Dr. Cheryl asked how my migraines had been. I casually mentioned that I was having dizzy spells and felt off balance. As Dr. Cheryl went through a series of questions, it seemed like she was reading off a script of my symptoms. She started to explain binocular vision dysfunction and asked if I would consider a neuro visual test that may be able to determine if I was a candidate for the type of treatment she was involved in. I was skeptical, but desperate. The tests administered by Dr. Cheryl produced black and white, concrete results. I was blown away by how clear it was that this "visual vertigo" I was experiencing was not only completely legitimate, but treatable. My skepticism disappeared immediately when Dr. Cheryl had me wear a trial pair of glasses with prisms in them. I felt taller, grounded, and completely in control. My glasses have made a tremendous difference in my everyday life. I feel balanced and aware of my surroundings. I no longer catch myself tilting my head while reading through pages of documents on my computer, or tilting my head to get a better view of the TV. It is more than a change in my prescription or a "clearer view," it is an entire perspective change. I have not had a single migraine in 6 months - I am still in shock when I say those words. My dizzy spells have subsided, as well. When I am not wearing my glasses, which is rare, I can immediately feel the difference in my equilibrium. I would never have guessed that all of these symptoms and subsequent issues, were vision related. Dr. Cheryl was 100% supportive and genuinely concerned about my comfort and progress throughout this whole journey. I would, without hesitation, recommend her to anyone that suffers from these symptoms. She is a true life saver and is passionate about investing her time and energy into this growing field.

A. S.

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Testimonials