Feeling Unsteady on Your Feet? Let’s Talk About Balance & Vision

I would like to share a story with you about a patient of mine who was suffering from balance issues and dizziness. This lovely gentleman was an active and lively older man just enjoying life. He was in his seventh decade, yet was still very hearty and physically fit. But then, something happened. He can still remember the exact day over three years ago when his life changed drastically.

My patient had been getting ready to meet friends for brunch, as he did every Sunday, when he started experiencing dizziness. This wasn’t a brief dizzy spell that went away after a few minutes; instead, the dizziness got progressively worse over the next few weeks, until eventually he couldn’t walk without the use of a cane. He went to various doctors and began vestibular rehabilitation, but unfortunately, he found only slight relief from the vestibular exercises.

Then this gentleman heard about Dr. Debby Feinberg. He spoke to Dr. Debby, but he wasn’t able to travel all the way to Michigan. A year later, still suffering from ongoing dizziness, he looked up Dr. Debby again. This time she was able to send this wonderful man to me, in New York, driving distance for the patient.

As you may have guessed, after looking at his symptoms and examining him, it was clear that vertical heterophoria was contributing to his dizziness. I was relieved to be able to tell him that there was a simple fix to his VH: aligning prismatic lenses. When he began wearing his aligning glasses, within the first 24 hours he started feeling more stable. I believe as he adjusts to his new glasses, that feeling of stability will increase.

Don’t Let Vision Problems Interfere With Your Life

It’s sad to think that three years of this dear man’s life were ruined because his binocular vision was never tested! I was able to speak with him this morning, and even over the phone I could hear his smile. I’m happy to say that he’s feeling so much better! My hope is that he’ll be able to walk without the cane again before long, and will soon be able to get back to enjoying Sunday brunch with his friends!

Vision changes over time and symptoms caused by those changes can come on suddenly. If you all at once start developing balance issues, your eyes could be the culprit. If you think you may be suffering from vertical heterophoria, give the Neuro Visual Clinic of New York a call at (516) 224-4888. Either Dr. Marissa or myself, Dr. Cheryl, would love to help you get your quality of life back!