Is It Normal to Get Randomly Dizzy?

Maintaining balance is a process controlled by different body systems, the visual system, the vestibular system, and the proprioceptors. The visual system involves the eye and the brain and is vital for preventing dizziness and maintaining balance.

The vestibular system in the inner ear provides the brain with information about motion, spatial orientation, and head position. The proprioceptors in the feet and legs provide a stable foundation for the body. Find out if it is normal to get randomly dizzy.

Impaired Vision and Dizziness

If you experience motion or sea sickness, you know that closing your eyes can help. Removing the effect of the visual system can alleviate dizziness and nausea. Disruptions in the visual system, or eye-brain connection, can lead to dizziness and balance issues.

Disrupting the visual system, such as after a stroke, concussion, or TBI, can lead to dizziness. Other causes of dizziness resulting from vision problems include eyestrain, incorrect lens prescriptions, binocular vision disorder, or eye misalignment.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)

Binocular vision is the eye function that allows you to see one image when looking at one image with both eyes. The eyes work together perfectly in sync as a team, enabling them to transmit a single clear image to the brain.

When eyes fail to work together effectively, it causes a condition known as binocular vision dysfunction (BVD).

Symptoms of the disorder include:

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Double vision

• Difficulty reading

• Problems with visual motion

Vision and Random Dizziness

If you suffer from random dizziness, there is a high probability that you have binocular vision problems. Misaligned eyes can cause the reception of confusing signals from the brain. The signals can move from their correct position. It causes the eyes to strain to align the images for a clear and unified view of the surroundings.

The additional stress on the optical muscles can cause them to tremble, leading to dizziness or light-headedness. Eye misalignment, even as it causes dizziness, can be slight and is often overlooked during eye exams.

Symptoms Associated With Dizziness

There are several symptoms related to the feeling of dizziness. They include:

• Vertigo or spinning sensation

• Extreme fear of falling

• Light-headedness or feeling faint

• The sensation of swimming or floating

• Anxiety, confusion, or disorientation

• Blurred vision or double vision

• Nausea or vomiting

• Changes in heart rate or blood pressure

• Headaches, eye or face pain, and light sensitivity

• Poor depth perception

• Difficulties with coordination and drifting to the side while walking

Vision and Balance Disorders

People who suffer from balance disorders often feel like they are moving even while they are still. They also find it hard to walk straight, usually after standing up suddenly from a reclining or sitting position. Vision problems make it hard to maintain proper balance as the eye muscles work to compensate for reduced visual clarity. It results in eyestrain, headaches, and balance problems.

Eye doctors can help treat issues associated with BVD. You should contact your doctor for an eye exam if you suffer from random dizziness or double vision. The exam can help determine the source of the symptoms.

Treatment options include using specialized glasses or contacts with prisms. You require emergency treatment if you experience sudden dizziness accompanied by slurred speech, shortness of breath, arm numbness, pain, or tingling.

For more about getting randomly dizzy, call Ocean Park Optometry at (310) 452-1039 to reach our office in Santa Monica, California.