Binocular Vision

Binocular vision (BV) refers to how the two eyes work together.  The two most common binocular vision disorders are strabismus (crossed eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye). These disorders often present themselves in young children but can also occur in adults.  Other BV disorders include double vision, convergence insufficiency, nystagmus, reading difficulties and peripheral vision loss.   

How is it treated?

Dr. Brown treats BV disorders with orthoptic therapy.  Orthoptic therapy is like physical therapy for the eyes, focusing on the strength of the eye muscles (both the external muscles that move the eyeballs around and the internal muscles that focus the eyes for clear vision).  This is done with options like prisms, vergence exercises, patching and specialized glasses.

Dr. Brown is an Orthoptist

What is an Orthoptist? 

Orthoptists are the experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. These can be caused by issues with the muscles around the eyes or defects in the nerves enabling the brain to communicate with the eyes.

Orthoptists are trained to offer a range of treatments in the management or correction of these conditions. This may include eye patches, eye exercises, prisms or glasses.

They also commonly work with patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke, brain tumors or multiple sclerosis, as part of a wider multi professional team. They help patients to manage the visual symptoms of their condition and provide advice for the visual and general rehabilitation of these patients.