Feeling dizzy, off balance, or lightheaded can be unsettling, especially when it happens frequently. While most people associate dizziness with inner ear issues or dehydration, your eyes might also be to blame. Problems with how your eyes work together can cause disorientation, blurred vision, or even nausea.  

For some patients, vision therapy in Novi provides long-term relief by retraining the eyes and brain to work in sync. In this blog, we’ll look at how vision problems can cause dizziness, what conditions might be involved, and how vision therapy can help. 

Vision problems and dizziness 

Your eyes and brain constantly communicate to help you stay balanced and oriented. When both eyes don’t work together properly, your brain receives mismatched visual signals, which can cause confusion, dizziness, or even motion sickness.  

Eye problems that cause dizziness 

Several vision issues can contribute to feelings of dizziness or imbalance. These include: 

• Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD): When both eyes don’t work together properly, your brain receives conflicting signals that can cause dizziness, headaches, and blurred vision. This condition is known as binocular vision dysfunction.
• Uncorrected or outdated prescriptions: Wearing the wrong prescription for glasses or contact lenses can strain your eyes and affect your balance. 
• Eye muscle imbalances: Weak or misaligned eye muscles can make it harder to track objects, leading to motion sensitivity and disorientation. 
• Focusing difficulties: Trouble shifting focus between near and far objects can create visual fatigue and lightheadedness. 

Signs your dizziness could be vision-related 

If you’ve ruled out other medical causes but still feel dizzy or disoriented, your eyes may play a role. Common signs include: 

• Feeling unsteady or off balance while walking or moving your head 
• Headaches or eye strain after reading or screen use 
• Double vision or blurred vision that comes and goes 
• Difficulty focusing between near and far objects 
• Motion sensitivity or light sensitivity 

Even mild symptoms can disrupt daily activities. A comprehensive eye exam can detect subtle vision problems that may not be caught during a routine vision screening. 

How vision therapy can help 

If your dizziness is caused by eye coordination issues, our team may recommend vision therapy as a solution. Vision therapy is a customized, non-surgical treatment program that helps train your eyes and brain to work together more effectively. With targeted exercises and activities, many patients notice improved focus, depth perception, and balance. 

Our experienced eye doctor in Novi will design a plan based on your specific needs and progress, helping you feel more stable and confident in your daily life. 

Other solutions for vision-related dizziness 

In some cases, updating your glasses or contact lenses prescription can ease dizziness caused by vision imbalance or eye strain. If you wear contacts, a contact lens exam ensures a proper fit and accurate correction. Sometimes even small prescription adjustments can greatly improve comfort and reduce dizziness. 

Stay steady and see clearly 

If dizziness or visual discomfort is affecting your daily routine, it may be time for a closer look at your vision. A comprehensive eye exam can uncover whether your symptoms are related to binocular vision dysfunction or another vision concern.  

Call our office or fill out our online appointment request form to schedule your visit and start seeing—and feeling—better.