Vision and Vestibular Dysfunction

Published April 13, 2020



If so, there’s a chance you may have an inner ear disturbance called Vestibular Dysfunction. The good news is that these symptoms can be treated and you can regain your quality of life. 

Vestibular dysfunction is more common than you may realize. A recent epidemiological study estimates that as many as 35 percent of adults over the age of 40 have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction at some point in their lives. Additionally, it has been found that 85 percent of dizziness or imbalance symptoms are due to vestibular dysfunction.

What is Vestibular Dysfunction?

The vestibular system is made up of the peripheral vestibular organ (located in the inner ear), vestibulocochlear nerve, central vestibular organ, and neural connections situated in the brain-stem.

When the inner ear sends the wrong information, or conflicting signals to the brain, dizziness can occur. As a result, the natural response is to limit movement in order to minimize the rocking or spinning sensation.

What causes Vestibular Dysfunction? 



  • Dizziness and vertigo
  • Imbalance and spatial disorientation
  • Cognitive and psychological changes
  • Hearing changes
  • Vision disturbance

In addition, concentration, memory loss and fatigue can often accompany vestibular dysfunction. In order to keep the body upright, the brain needs to work extra hard and therefore compromises on other brain functions. Some people with vestibular dysfunction find it difficult to get out of bed, function properly at school or work, or perform routine tasks in environments heavy in visual stimuli (think grocery stores, traffic, shopping malls). Thankfully, by undergoing Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy these symptoms disappear along with the dizziness.

How is Vestibular Dysfunction diagnosed? 

Inner-ear problems cause diverse symptoms such as vertigo, nausea and blurred vision. Therefore, people with vestibular dysfunction spend years going from physician to physician, only to have their symptoms misdiagnosed as sinus, neurological or even psychological problems.

Many causes of dizziness could be detected through a comprehensive eye exam.


During a comprehensive eye exam, a neuro-optometrist will evaluate many functions of the visual system, such as:

  • How well the eyes work together
  • Whether the eyes are struggling to focus
  • Eye scanning and tracking ability
  • The connection between vision and balance

What is neuro-optometric vision therapy?

Neuro-optometric vision therapy retrains the eye-brain connection to improve visual problems due to vestibular dysfunction.

This type of vision therapy works by using a variety of methods and techniques to help both eyes to work as a team to enable accurate binocular vision.

Neuro-optometric vision therapy is an individualized program, designed to meet the specific needs of each patient. The therapy program incorporates in-office and at-home exercises for remediation and management of visual problems.

Neuro-optometric vision therapy has been proven effective for patients of all ages— with over 80 percent success rate for reducing or resolving symptoms associated with vestibular dysfunction.

A multidisciplinary approach


If you or a loved one present with symptoms of vestibular dysfunction, schedule an appointment with a neuro-optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.

A neuro-optometric vision therapy program will reduce your symptoms, and improve your quality of life.