At Vision Care Center, we know that when your eyes don’t work together as a team, it can make simple tasks feel difficult. You might notice trouble with reading, frequent headaches, or even blurry vision. These are common signs of binocular vision dysfunction, a condition where the eyes struggle to stay aligned.
The good news is you have effective ways to address these issues. A personalized plan, which can include vision therapy or specialized glasses, may help correct eye tracking challenges.
What Are the Signs of an Eye Tracking Problem?
You may notice several clues that your eyes are not working in sync. These signs can be physical, related to how you feel, or even changes in your daily habits. It’s helpful to know what to look for in yourself or a family member.
Physical Clues and Signs
Sometimes you can see the signs of an eye tracking issue just by looking. Your eyes might not seem to point in the same direction. Here are a few things you might observe:
- Eyes that do not appear to move together
- One eye that seems to turn in, out, up, or down
- Constant blinking or squinting to focus
Feelings and Experiences
Eye tracking problems can also cause physical discomfort. You may experience eye strain, especially after focusing on a task for an extended period. These symptoms are often associated with digital eye strain, but they can also point to an underlying tracking issue. Other common feelings include:
- A tired feeling around your eyes
- Frequent headaches, especially after reading
- Double vision or blurry vision
Changes in Your Habits
You might change your behavior to make it easier to see. For example, you may find yourself tilting your head to get a clearer view. You may also:
- Close or cover one eye to focus
- Experience difficulty with reading or lose your place on the page
- Bump into things more often than usual
Why Do Eye Tracking Problems Happen?
Eye tracking depends on a strong connection between your brain and the 6 muscles around each eye. When this communication is off, your eyes can become misaligned. The cause is often related to this brain-muscle control system.
The Brain and Eye Muscle Connection
Your brain tells your eye muscles where to look. For your eyes to focus on one object, all 12 muscles must work together perfectly. An eye tracking problem often starts when the signals from the brain to these muscles are not coordinated, which is something that vision therapy can help retrain.
Other Health Factors
Sometimes, other health conditions can affect the nerves or muscles that control your eyes. This misalignment, also known as strabismus, can result from a head injury or certain medical conditions. This can happen in both children and adults.
Your Options for Treatment and Improvement
You don’t have to live with the discomfort of misaligned eyes. After a thorough eye exam, your eye doctor can recommend a personalized plan. Several treatments can help improve eye alignment and vision.
Vision Therapy and Eye Exercises
Vision therapy is a program of exercises made to teach your eyes and brain to work together better. This doctor-supervised program can help improve focus, coordination, and alignment. This can make tasks like reading much easier.
Prism Eyeglasses
Special lenses called prisms can be added to your eyeglasses. A prism bends light before it enters your eye. This helps your brain merge the images from both eyes into a single, clear picture. Advanced options like Neurolens use contoured prism technology to provide relief.
What to Do if You Suspect an Eye Tracking Issue
If you or a family member shows signs of an eye tracking problem, the first step is to schedule an eye examination. A proper diagnosis is key to finding the right solution. This can help you get the support you need.
The Importance of a Full Eye Exam
Unlike a simple vision screening, a comprehensive eye exam does more than just check your prescription. It allows the doctor to assess how your eyes work together as a team. The exam can check your eye muscle function and determine the cause of your symptoms during an adult or senior eye exam.
Talk to a Local Eye Doctor
Discussing your symptoms with your eye doctor can give you clear answers. An eye care professional can create a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. You can get the information you need to move forward.
A Clearer Path Forward
Eye tracking problems can affect your quality of life, but they don’t have to hold you back. With the right care and a personalized plan, you can help your eyes work better together. Support is available to help you and your family.
Taking the next step is simple and can lead to a more comfortable visual experience. The team at Vision Care Center is here to support your family’s vision. Schedule a consultation to explore your options and find clarity.
