You rely on your eyes to work together as a team to see the world clearly. When your eyes don’t line up correctly, this can create a variety of symptoms that affect your vision and daily comfort. At Vision Care Center, we believe recognizing these signs is the first step toward getting the right support.
Eye misalignment, a key aspect of binocular vision dysfunction, can cause a range of symptoms from visible eye turns and head tilts to double vision, eye strain, and headaches. This condition occurs when your eyes are not pointing in the same direction at the same time. The effects can impact how you see, feel, and interact with your surroundings.
Visible Signs of Eye Misalignment
Sometimes, you or a family member might notice physical signs that the eyes aren’t working in sync. These are often the most apparent clues that something is different about your vision. You may observe a few key indicators.
Eyes Point in Different Directions
One of the clearest signs is when one eye looks straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, up, or down. This condition, known as strabismus, might happen all the time or only when you’re tired. It can also occur when you look at something up close.
Eyes Don’t Move Together
You may also notice that your eyes don’t track objects smoothly as a pair. When you look from one thing to another, one eye might lag behind. It could also move differently from the other eye.
Frequent Head Tilts
Do you find yourself tilting or turning your head to see things clearly? This is often a way your body tries to adjust for misaligned eyes. The tilt helps to create a single, clear image.
Effects on Your Vision and Comfort
Beyond what you can see in a mirror, eye misalignment creates symptoms that can interfere with everyday tasks. Activities like reading, driving, or spending time on digital screens may become difficult. You might experience:
- Double or blurry vision
- A feeling of eye strain or fatigue—especially after reading, which can be a sign of computer vision syndrome
- Frequent headaches related to vision
- Trouble with depth perception, which can make you seem clumsy
- Difficulty concentrating on close-up tasks
When Symptoms of Misalignment Appear
Eye misalignment can show up at any age. When the symptoms start can be an important piece of the puzzle for your eye doctor. It helps them understand your situation.
In Babies and Young Children
A newborn’s eyes may wander occasionally, which is common as their vision develops. According to the American Optometric Association, by 4–6 months old, their eyes should be able to focus and work together. If you notice a persistent turn in your child’s eye, it’s worth a check-up.
In Older Children and Adults
The sudden start of eye misalignment in an older child or adult is not something to ignore. If it comes with double vision, it can point to other health concerns. Prompt attention and a comprehensive eye exam are recommended.
Common Causes for Misaligned Eyes
Your brain and the 6 muscles around each eye must communicate perfectly for your eyes to stay aligned. A problem with this coordination is the most common reason for misalignment. Other factors include family history and certain health conditions.
Get a Professional Eye Exam
If you recognize any of these symptoms, the next step is an evaluation. An eye doctor in Peoria, IL, can perform a comprehensive exam to see how your eyes function as a team. These tests are designed to measure eye posture, movement, and focusing abilities.
Misaligned eyes rarely get better on their own—the condition can worsen over time. To avoid double vision, the brain might start to ignore the image from one eye. This can lead to poor vision in that eye if not addressed.
At Vision Care Center, the team provides in-depth care tailored to your personal needs. If you or a family member experiences symptoms of eye misalignment, schedule a visit. An eye exam can help you get answers and find a path forward for your vision.
