Motion sickness is a common condition linked to how our visual system processes movement. Understanding the connection between motion sickness and binocular vision dysfunction can lead to effective treatment options.
Motion sickness is a common, uncomfortable condition that affects many people during car rides, boat trips, amusement park rides, and even while using screens in motion. It occurs when the brain receives conflicting information from the visual and vestibular (inner ear) systems about movement and spatial orientation. Understanding the role of vision in motion sickness is important because functional vision problems can contribute significantly to its severity and persistence.
Motion sickness is a syndrome characterized by symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headache, and sometimes even vomiting. At its core, the condition arises when the information provided by the eyes does not match the input from the vestibular system that senses movement. In a normally functioning body, both systems work together to let the brain know where you are in space, but when there is a mismatch, the result can be disorienting and unsettling.
This sensory mismatch may be particularly pronounced in situations where visual cues are limited or altered, such as when reading in a moving vehicle or watching rapid motion on a screen. For many, the feeling subsides when the source of motion stabilizes, but for individuals with underlying vision issues, these symptoms may persist and even hinder daily activities.
Vision is not just about seeing clearly; it also helps the brain orient itself in space. When you are moving, your visual system works with your inner ear to create a sense of balance and stability. However, if the visual information is inaccurate—such as when a functional vision problem is present—the brain receives conflicting signals. This conflict between what your eyes see and what your vestibular system senses is a primary driver behind motion sickness.
For example, when you are in a car and focus on a stationary object like a book or a phone, your inner ear picks up the movement of the vehicle even though your eyes are locked on a static image. This disagreement can trigger symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe nausea and dizziness.
If you're struggling with motion sickness, reach out to find a top optometrist near you who can help assess and treat any underlying functional vision problems.
There are specific scenarios where motion sickness is more likely to occur due to the nature of the visual input:
The symptoms of motion sickness can vary from person to person, but several common signs include:
These symptoms are the body’s way of signaling that it is struggling to reconcile the mismatched sensory inputs. Often, the severity of the symptoms will vary depending on the duration and intensity of the motion as well as the individual's underlying visual function.
If you're struggling with motion sickness, reach out to find a top optometrist near you who can help assess and treat any underlying functional vision problems.
Motion sickness affects many due to conflicting visual and vestibular signals. Learn how functional vision problems can contribute to its severity.
