What is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is a type of physical therapy for the eyes and the brain. Some visual conditions such as lazy eye, crossed eye, double vision, eye teaming problems, focusing problems, eye movement disorders, computer vision syndrome and some reading and learning disabilities cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or patching. In these cases, among others, vision therapy is often the most appropriate and effective treatment.
How can vision therapy help one who is struggling to read and learn?
Although vision therapy is not a direct treatment for learning disabilities, it is specifically directed toward resolving visual and/or perceptual problems which interfere with reading and learning. If the eyes are unable to work efficiently as a team and the patient is struggling to see things clearly, singly and comfortably, it becomes very difficult to comprehend the material written on the page. This often times leads to poor school performance or a misdiagnosis of an attention problem.
What does a Vision Therapy program involve?
Vision therapy is a 3 to 4 month individualized and progressive program of vision “exercises” which is performed under the supervision of a doctor. It is conducted in the office in 30 minute sessions once day each week. It is usually supplemented by short “home reinforcement” exercises between office visits. During the final stages of vision therapy, the patient’s newly acquired visual skills are reinforced and made automatic through repetition and by integrating them with motor and cognitive tasks.
Vision Therapy Is Not Just Eye Exercises.
During a Vision Therapy program, various types of treatment devices are used, such as lenses, prisms, occluders or patches, optical filters, electronic targets with timing mechanisms, computer software, vestibular (balance) equipment, and visual-motor-sensory integration training devices. It should not be confused with any self-help programs of eye exercises marketed to the public.