Feeling dizzy or off-balance can be disorienting and even dangerous, especially if it happens often. While there are many potential causes, some people don’t realize that vision issues can also trigger these symptoms.
If you’ve been feeling unsteady or lightheaded, it may be time for a comprehensive eye exam in Tinley Park to rule out or identify visual factors contributing to your discomfort. Learn how your eyes and balance are connected, and when it might be time to seek help from an optometrist.
Vision and balance: What’s the connection?
Your visual system helps your brain understand where your body is in space. It works alongside your inner ears, muscles, and joints to keep you upright and balanced. If the signals from your eyes don’t match what the rest of your body is sensing, it can confuse your brain and cause dizziness or a feeling of imbalance.
Even small problems with eye alignment or focus can disrupt this process, especially during tasks that require sustained visual attention like reading, driving, or using a computer.
Vision conditions that can cause dizziness
Several vision-related problems may cause or worsen dizziness and balance problems:
- Uncorrected refractive errors: Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can strain your eyes and create a sensation of unsteadiness, especially during close-up tasks.
- Eye muscle imbalances: Conditions like convergence insufficiency or binocular vision dysfunction can cause visual misalignment, leading to double vision and dizziness.
- Vestibular ocular disorders: These affect how your eyes and inner ear work together and are often associated with vertigo.
- Presbyopia: Age-related difficulty focusing at close range may also cause visual discomfort or disorientation if not properly corrected.
How a comprehensive eye exam can help
If you’re dealing with dizziness, checking your vision can be an important step in finding the cause. A comprehensive eye exam can identify underlying issues contributing to your symptoms. Your optometrist will assess your visual acuity, eye alignment, depth perception, and eye movements to see how well your eyes are working together.
If you need vision correction, the right pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses can improve your comfort and daily stability. For those considering contacts, a contact lens exam ensures the best fit and prescription based on your visual needs and eye health.
When to see an optometrist
If dizziness is a regular part of your life, especially when reading, driving, or shifting focus, it’s worth scheduling an eye exam. Our experienced optometrists can determine if your eyes play a role in your symptoms and provide solutions to help you feel more stable and confident.
Find clarity and better balance
Many people don’t realize how strongly vision and balance are linked. Addressing hidden vision issues can significantly improve your comfort and quality of life.
If you’ve been struggling with unexplained dizziness, book an appointment at Walter Eye Clinic in Tinley Park today to see if your vision could be the problem.
