When we think about eyesight, we usually think about reading, driving, or recognizing faces. But vision goes far beyond that—it helps us move through space, keep our balance, and even avoid headaches and migraines.
At Advanced Eyecare & Therapies, right here in Spokane, we have seen firsthand how vision therapy and even minor lens modifications can dramatically change someone’s quality of life. One of our recent patients reminded us just how powerful the connection between vision and the rest of the body really is.
How Eyesight is Linked to Vertigo and Migraines
The eyes do more than help us see—they help orient us. When our eyes send conflicting signals to the brain or don’t work well together, it can lead to a sense of dizziness or imbalance. This visual-vestibular mismatch can also trigger migraines, especially in people who are already prone to them.
Common signs that vision may be playing a role in vertigo or migraines include:
- Needing to turn your whole body to look around
- Dizziness when scanning a room or turning your head
- Headaches after visual tasks like reading or using screens
- Trouble walking in a straight line or feeling “off balance”
Many patients are surprised to learn that a thorough eye exam can uncover visual triggers that may be contributing to their discomfort.
Meet the Patient: A 70-Year-Old with Vertigo and Chronic Migraines
Let’s take a closer look at one of our patients whose experience helped shed light on the powerful link between vision, vertigo, and migraines. Her story speaks volumes about how even a small visual adjustment can lead to life-changing results.
The Turning Point: Sector Occlusion with Scotch Tape
Two months ago, a 70-year-old woman came to our office because turning her head made her feel dizzy. She had developed a habit of rotating her whole body instead of just her neck to avoid the spinning sensation that came with head movements.
After a careful evaluation, we recommended a sector occlusion—just a sliver of Scotch tape placed on the inner corner of her right lens. It might sound simple, but it was placed with the purpose of reducing conflicting signals to the brain.
From Shaky Steps to Steady Movement: Her Results After Two Months
When she returned for her progress visit, she walked in confidently—head turning naturally, body relaxed, and a smile on her face. But the most unexpected outcome? Since wearing the tape on her glasses, she hadn’t had a single migraine. Not one. This is someone who had been getting several migraines a month since she was five years old. Her husband said it best: if he had not witnessed the change himself, he never would have believed how much a tiny piece of tape could do.
Why this Patient Experienced This Success
While every patient is different, we believe her success came down to how the brain processes visual information in relation to balance and motion. In her case, her eyes may have been sending slightly conflicting signals that her brain struggled to reconcile—especially during head movements. That mismatch can overstimulate the visual and vestibular systems, leading to dizziness or even triggering migraines.
The sector occlusion, created with a small piece of Scotch tape, likely helped reduce this visual "noise" by blocking just the right portion of her peripheral input. This allowed her brain to stabilize its response to movement and maintain better balance. It is a subtle change, but for someone with a sensitive visual-vestibular connection, it can make a world of difference. Her experience is a reminder that sometimes, small, targeted adjustments can bring great relief.
Could This Be You? When to Talk to Your Eye Doctor About Balance or Headaches
If you struggle with vertigo, frequent migraines, or balance issues that no one has been able to explain, your eyes might be part of the answer. Consider scheduling a visit if:
- You experience dizziness when moving your head or shifting focus
- You have had ongoing migraines with no clear cause
- Your balance feels “off,” especially in crowded or busy environments
- You have been told it is “Just part of getting older,” but you are not convinced
At Advanced Eyecare & Therapies, we take the time to look at how your eyes are working together—not just how clearly you can see. That broader view can open the door to solutions you may have never considered.
Discover the Missing Link Between Vision and Balance in Spokane
If you have been searching for answers to unexplained dizziness, migraines, or balance issues, it might be time to look through a new lens—literally. At Advanced Eyecare & Therapies in Spokane, we help patients uncover the hidden connections between vision and the way they move, feel, and function every day. Whether it is with customized lenses or more advanced vision therapy, we are here to help you take steady steps forward.
Let’s find out what your eyes might be trying to tell you - book your eye care appointment.