Motion sickness is an unpleasant condition that can affect both adults and children. From traveling, to reading in the car, to watching movies or playing video games, often times motion sickness is triggered at the most inopportune times. For some people who suffer from motion sickness symptoms, an underlying vision issue may be to blame.
Neuro-Ocular Vestibular Dysfunction (See-Sick Syndrome)
Neuro-Ocular Vestibular Dysfunction (NOVD), also known as “See-Sick Syndrome (SSS)” occurs when our vision and balance (vestibular) systems in our body do not communicate correctly. See-Sick Syndrome causes a person to be super sensitive to light, as well as experience motion sickness with visual motion and eye movement.
Symptoms
See-Sick Syndrome causes many symptoms that can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks like driving and reading. Some patients have reported being unable to shop in large stores with bright lights, developing tunnel vision that prohibits them from driving safely, and suffering from bruising due to running into objects and stumbling or falling. Severe SSS can be debilitating at times. SSS symptoms include:
- Photophobia, also known as light sensitivity
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance/coordination
- Nausea
- Fear of heights
- Depression and more
Treatment
If your motion sickness or sensitivity to light is determined to be caused by a vision issue, vision therapy treatment may help. By working to reconnect the brain and the eye, vision therapy exercises can significantly improve vision and coordination skills. In addition, you may benefit from corrective lenses or syntonics, a special color light therapy.
If you suffer from motion sickness and suspect a vision issue, contact Family Vision Development Center right away to set up a comprehensive eye exam. Our highly qualified doctors will determine if you have any underlying vision issues, and we will customize a program to meet your individual needs. Visit us online or call 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment.
Additional information referenced here and here.