Dr. Kalie McCartin
Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist
Is car sickness a lifelong sentence? It's a question many of us have asked, especially if we've been plagued by nausea and dizziness during car rides. The good news is, for many people, the answer is NO. Car sickness can often be cured, especially when it's rooted in a visual processing deficiency. My patients are often shocked when I tell them I just about have a 100% success rate in curing car sickness, but then I remind them that car sickness is NOT a condition, it's a SYMPTOM of a visual processing deficiency and I cure visual processing deficiencies all the time!
Visual Processing and Car Sickness
Believe it or not, our eyes play a crucial role in our sense of balance and spatial orientation. When our visual system isn't functioning optimally, it can lead to a variety of issues, including car sickness.
According to experts, over 30% of the general population has some form of visual processing deficiency. These deficiencies can affect how our brains interpret visual information, such as the distance between objects. When we're in a moving vehicle, our brains have to constantly process the changing visual landscape. If our visual system struggles to keep up, it can lead to feelings of nausea and dizziness.
The Root Cause: Delays in Processing Distance Light Data
One common visual processing deficiency associated with car sickness is an inability to process distance light data. This refers to how our brains interpret light that bounces off distant objects. In a car, we're constantly bombarded with visual information from the surrounding environment. If our brains can't process this information effectively, it can lead to a sense of disorientation.
Divergence Insufficiency and Excess
Two specific visual processing conditions that can contribute to car sickness are divergence insufficiency and divergence excess. These conditions involve problems with eye coordination, which can affect our ability to maintain focus on objects at different distances and process where you are in space efficiently.
The Path to Relief
If you suffer from chronic car sickness, it's worth considering a visit to a neurodevelopmental optometrist. These specialists can evaluate your visual system to identify any underlying deficiencies. With the right treatment, many people with car sickness can experience significant relief or even a complete cure.
Don't Let Car Sickness Rule Your Life
If you've been struggling with car sickness, remember that you're not alone. And there's a good chance that there's a solution. By addressing the underlying visual processing issues, you can regain your freedom to travel without discomfort. So, take the first step and consult with a neuro or developmental optometrist. It could be the beginning of a new, car-sick-free chapter in your life.
Dr. Kalie McCartin
Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist
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