Writing:Neurology And Binocular Vision
What is Binocular Vision
Binocular vision is most simply looking at something with both eyes. In normal human binocular vision, a person trains both eyes on the same object, and sees it from two slightly different areas, and inside the brain this (along with other contextual clues) renders as a three dimensional image. This requires a complex choreography of the muscles directing the aim of the eye, the ones directing the focus of the eye, and the image processing center in the brain.
Binocular Vision and Near Focus
Binocular vision is not only useful in catching flying balls and estimating how far you have to run, it's also very important for looking at things close to you. Minor binocular vision issues often manifest in not being able to look at near object for a long time. Near object like toys, books, or a caregivers face.
The Mind Body Connection
We tend to treat the mind and the body as completely separate entities, but they develop together in concert. A deaf child that gets a cochlear implant as a teenager will not immediately understand language, and may even find the ability to hear irritating or painful. So what happens to an infant that was never comfortable focusing on mom's face, or a toddler that can't look at his toy for very long at a time? It is possible that this is one of the contributing factors to Autism and ADHD. (I've heard of a few cases resolving with binocular vision treatment, but I do not believe this is the sole cause of either disorder.)
Screening for Children
As much as we like to be DIY at Endmyopia, Binocular vision issues are pretty tricky, and it may be best to go with an expert on this. If you have a child with ADHD or Autistic traits, it may be worth a professional binocular vision evaluation. Try to find a specialist in Vision Therapy, and ask for a trial treatment of even minor issues.
Prism Lenses
A prism lens will immediately correct for vision issues, and may reveal in a short period if this is a contributing factor to a child's behavioral differences. It is likely that you'll end up with full prescription lenses though, get bifocals or separate readers if you can. Do be careful about mucking with reductions with prism lenses, the prism and the reduction must be balanced. Incorrect use of prism, or too strong of a reduction, can CAUSE more binocular vision issues. Prism lenses will help you determine if it is worth pursuing the more long term solution of vision therapy.
Note that the older a person is, the slower their neurology changes, and you may or may not see any benefit as an adult. Consult a professional to get advice if you should use prism lenses.
Vision Therapy
The good news is that the once long held beliefs that neurology is set in stone at developmental milestones is slowly being dis-proven. Although it is easier to influence neurology at younger ages, it can improve at any age. Vision therapy is a set of exercises that help coordinate the muscles and nerves involved in binocular vision. Many of these exercises involve strong lenses and special tools and should be done with the help of an expert so you don't make things worse instead of better.
Brock String
The Brock String is a form of vision therapy that is very safe to perform at home. The Brock string is a string with several colored beads on it. One end is attached about eye level to a wall, and the other end is held by the user up to their nose. By moving the beads and your focus point, and noticing the string shapes coming out of the bead, you are consciously exercising your binocular vision system. Look up a few exercises and practice them daily.
Off Topic Screenings
If you ended up here because your child has ADHD, Dyslexia, or ASD, here's some other mind-body screenings to consider:
- Retained Primitive Reflexes
- Hyper-flexibility
- Muscle tone in ankles and wrists.
Love For Neuro-divergents!
Whatever your neurological differences, most of them come with advantages as well as weaknesses. This article is designed to help pinpoint and resolve some weaknesses, but please don't neglect your strengths! Are you nearsighted? I bet you can thread a needle better than average. Have trouble focusing on details? You might be a big picture thinker...