What is Vision Therapy: Overview, Benefits,‌ and Expected Results

Vision therapy is a​ type of physical therapy that attempts to treat vision problems by ‌improving the⁣ way the eyes work together. ⁣It is often employed in the treatment of strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), convergence insufficiency ⁣(problem​ focusing on close‌ objects), and a variety of other visual-motor skills, visual⁤ perceptual disorders,⁣ and tracking or reading difficulties. Vision therapy usually includes a combination‌ of eye exercises, patching, perceptual‌ activities,‍ and home-based activities, as‍ prescribed by a behavioral optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Overview

Vision therapy, also known as visual training or vision ‍training, is the use of eye exercises, lenses, prisms, and other specialized optical tools to treat⁢ visual problems. This type of therapy is overseen by​ a specialized eye doctor or therapist who can ‌provide one-on-one sessions to help a‌ patient make progress and develop better visual habits.⁤ It is⁣ often​ used to treat vision-related ​issues like ⁣lazy eye, eye coordination difficulties, astigmatism, ‌strabismus, eyestrain, double vision, and near-point issues.



Vision therapy uses equipment and activities designed to improve eye ‍movement ⁢control, eye-teaming, and eye-focusing skills. The goal of vision ‌therapy is ‌to improve the patient’s overall visual functioning, allowing them to recognize, remember, and interpret objects, ​people, and⁢ expressions. When the eyes, nerves, and brain work ‌together correctly, ⁢visual perception ⁣is improved and​ vision problems can be ‍lessened or even reversed.

Benefits

Vision therapy can offer a number of benefits to those​ suffering from ⁢vision-related issues. Among ⁣the most beneficial ⁢are ‍improved eye-focusing, alignment, and coordination. With⁣ proper training and​ practice,⁢ those diagnosed with vision-related ‌issues ‌can learn​ how to use ‌their⁤ eyes⁣ more effectively and⁣ with greater ‍precision, allowing ⁤them to accurately process the visual information they⁣ receive.



In addition to improved visual skills, ⁤vision⁢ therapy can also provide ​benefits for those who ⁢suffer from‌ eye-teaming​ and depth perception difficulties. Depth perception, or ⁣the ability to differentiate between near ⁣and far ‍objects, is essential for things such as ​judging⁤ distances and⁤ recognizing objects in three dimensions. ​Eye-teaming is the ability of ⁤each ⁣eye to accurately track and ⁣process two-dimensional images separately.⁣ Both of these ‍skills are important components of day-to-day‌ living​ and greatly impact a person’s ability to ​understand and interpret the world around them.

Expected ⁣Results

Most patients who try vision therapy will see ‌a‌ significant‌ improvement ‌in their visual‌ skills within several weeks. However, it may take several months to maximize the benefits ⁣of vision therapy. It is also important ⁤to‌ note⁣ that the length of time needed to receive the desired results may vary from patient to patient. Both the ⁣severity of the vision issue​ and the patient’s age ​can influence the amount of⁢ time ​it takes to see marked improvements in their vision.



According to the American Optometric Association, those ‌who‌ undergo vision therapy have reported‌ experiencing increased visual comfort, stability, and clarity. Furthermore, vision therapy has been shown to be effective in improving academic performance, especially ⁢in those with ADHD,⁣ dyslexia, and vision and learning disabilities. Those who suffer ‌from migraines can also‍ experience ‌relief from the reduced⁢ strain on‌ the eyes​ that vision therapy often provides.

Conclusion

For those‍ suffering from vision-related issues, vision therapy can provide a​ safe and non-invasive ‌way to ‍improve their​ vision and visual skills.⁢ Though the benefits of⁢ vision therapy vary from patient to patient, many have⁢ reported experiencing increased⁤ visual​ clarity, stability, and comfort after a course of treatment. In addition to ‍improved visual skills,⁢ vision ⁣therapy can also be‌ beneficial for those with learning disabilities, ADHD, and dyslexia. With⁣ proper training ⁤and‌ practice, those who‌ go through vision therapy often report increased academic ‍performance, depth perception, and ​eye⁤ coordination.

Definition & Overview

Vision therapy is a series of exercises and techniques that aim to improve visual skills and the coordination between the eyes and the brain especially for those who have learning and reading disabilities.

The therapies are non-surgical options for common eye problems including but not limited to lazy eye and refractive errors such as myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The techniques can significantly reduce the progression of the disease or prevent them from developing further.

Contrary to popular belief, vision therapy is not limited to eye exercises, although it’s one of the most popular strategies. Rather, it also covers behavioral techniques to enhance perception or the processing of images by the eyes and correction or prevention of certain eye conditions.

Who Needs It and Expected Results

Vision therapy is recommended for:

Children who have learning disabilities – based on many studies, a huge number of learning and reading problems affecting children are actually caused by improper alignment of the eyes.

Although only a health care provider is capable to diagnose a child or adult with learning issues, some of the most common signs include:

• Dyslexia
• Difficulty in reading, speaking, and spelling
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Moodiness including depression or anxiety
• Short attention span
• Poor performance in school

People with refractive errors – The eyes process images similarly to a camera. Light, focus, and a process known as refraction all work together to interpret the images correctly. If there’s a refractive error—that is, the cornea is irregularly shaped—the person can develop nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. Those who are older may also acquire presbyopia (difficulty in reading due to old age).

Those who significantly depend on eyesight – Everyone certainly needs good eyesight, but others need it more importantly than others including surgeons or whose work depends on accuracy and precision.

Undergoing vision therapy can:

• Enhance basic visual skills and efficiency
• Make reading, spelling, and learning easier and comfortable
• Improve the performance of a special needs child or adult in a real-life setting such as school or workplace
• Change the way the eyes and brain process images or visual information

How Does the Procedure Work?

The optometrist first evaluates the severity of the visual-related condition through a comprehensive eye exam. This can include assessing the patient’s medical and family medical history, general health, eye tests, assessment of eye movement, and the identification of refractive errors.

Depending on the results, the optometrist then develops a customized plan covering physical, mental, and behavioral approaches. The entire protocol should be progressive, which means as the patient improves, the techniques must also be modified.

Different kinds of tools are used during therapy. These include filters, patches, therapeutic lenses, and balance boards. Only optometrists who are trained and recognized to practice vision therapy are allowed to offer such service.

Meanwhile, the session, which can last up to an hour, should be conducted in an office or clinic, although the optometrist has the option to reinforce the plan by occasional scheduled home visits.

Possible Complications and Risks

Since this is a non-surgical technique to manage visual problems, the risks and complications are lesser than, for example, LASIK. Nevertheless, there can be potential issues.

First, not all eye problems can be corrected by vision therapy. Severe ones, for instance, may need surgery. Second, there’s no assurance that the therapy will work. Based on certain scientific research, this therapy may not be effective in the treatment of dyslexia in the long term.

If the initial treatment plan doesn’t work, the optometrist may be forced to modify it, which will only delay the treatment.

Some optometrists use the eye-drop technique to gauge the degree of refractive error. However, it’s also known to possibly alter the final outcome. This may mean that a patient may be either under- or misdiagnosed.

References:

• http://www.aapos.org/terms/conditions/108
• http://www.covd.org/?page=Vision_Therapy
• http://www.naturaleyecare.com/vistherindex.asp
• http://www.thevisiontherapycenter.com/what-is-vision-therapy/definition

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