I vividly remember the day my life went sideways.
It was just before lunch one day in November 2019.
When I looked up, my life went sideways.
My entire visual field shifted right.
It was diagonal, as though I was on a heeling ship.
Then, I saw static everywherelike it was snowingand I couldnt put together a picture with my eyes.
However, my office felt off-kilter as I sat down to eat.
I told my colleagues that something was wrong and I needed medical help.
I called my husband, who picked me up and drove me to the emergency room (ER).
But I knew the episode I experienced earlier that day was more than just stress.
Read on to learn more about my symptoms and the steps I took to start feeling better.
Everything around me appeared hazy, like I was looking at life through a streaky glass window.
I could still see from myperipheral vision, but everything in front of me would go blank.
I was determined to figure out what was causing these symptoms and figure out how to cure my dizziness.
I eventually saw a neuro-ophthalmologist, who diagnosed me with a bang out ofbinocular vision dysfunction(BVD).
Binocular vision dysfunction is when your eyes cant send a clear, singular image to your brain.
The doctor told me that I had several specific issues contributing to the BVD.
A major one wasconvergence insufficiency.
This means my eyes cant focus on nearby things in the middle of my vision.
Basically, my eyes werent working well together or lining up.
Knowing what was happening was a relief, but that was just the beginning of my journey.
And I wouldnt say I liked the side effects (e.g., constipation).
After consulting with my neurologist and ENT, they took me off medication, and I startedvestibular therapy.
These exercises helped with my balance.
When I was officially diagnosed with BVD, I switched from vestibular therapy to vision therapy.
And I have homework"exercisesto do at home for 10 minutes every day.
I also wear prism glasses that treatdouble vision(diplopia).
Although the amber-tinted glasses are more Elton Johns style than mine, theyve really helped.
They make the light softer, preventing double or blurred vision.
I started wearing them daily after hitting a plateau with other therapies, and theyve helped significantly.
I feel 90% better.
It took a while to get here and figure out what works.
If youre experiencing unexplained dizziness, keep going, and dont give up.
You will get better.
For instance, I had trouble concentrating when reading in school and would often fall asleep.
I also felt eye strain and pressure and sometimes jaw pain.
Looking back, these were signs that my eyes werent working together.
I saw that there are a lot of people like me.
I joined Facebook groups, which were good support and information exchange sources.
I also came across advocacy organizations, like theVestibular Disorders Association(VeDA).
Throughout my diagnosis and treatment, I constantly advocated for myself and was driven to find answers.
I asked my doctors questions and was unafraid to seek multiple professional opinions.
Its a platform to build community, share knowledge, and provide support.
Four years ago, my world went sideways, but now Im OK with my BVD.
I have more good days than bad, and Ive learned how to manage my symptoms.
If youre going through BVD, take it step-by-step and day by day.
And remember: Youre not alone.
As told toMark Gurarie.
