What is vision therapy?<\/a><\/p>\n Vision Therapy<\/a> \u2014 a type of physical therapy for the eyes and brain \u2014 is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for many common visual problems such as lazy eye, crossed eyes, double vision, convergence insufficiency and some reading and learning disabilities. Many patients who have been told, \u201cit\u2019s too late,\u201d or \u201cyou\u2019ll have to learn to live with it\u201d have benefited from vision therapy.<\/p>\n In the case of learning disabilities, vision therapy is specifically directed toward resolving visual problems which interfere with reading, learning and educational instruction. Optometrists do not claim that vision therapy is a direct treatment for learning disabilities.<\/p>\n What is involved in a Vision Therapy program?<\/p>\n Vision therapy is \u2014 Vision Therapy Is Not Just Eye Exercises<\/p>\n Unlike other forms of exercise, the goal of Vision Therapy is not to strengthen eye muscles. Your eye muscles are already incredibly strong. Vision Therapy is not to be confused with any self-directed self-help program of eye exercises which is or has been marketed to the public.<\/p>\n In-office Vision Therapy is supervised by optometric vision care professionals and many types of specialized and\/or medical equipment can be used in Vision Therapy programs, such as: The first step in any Vision Therapy program is a functional vision evaluation<\/a>. Following a thorough evaluation, a qualified vision care professional can advise the candidate as to whether Vision Therapy would be appropriate treatment.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 a progressive program of vision \u201cexercises\u201d or procedures;
\n\u2022 performed under doctor supervision;
\n\u2022individualized to fit the visual needs of each patient;
\n\u2022 generally conducted in-office, in once or twice weekly sessions of 30 minutes to an hour;
\n\u2022 occasionally supplemented with procedures done at home between office visits (\u201chome reinforcement\u201d or \u201chomework\u201d);
\n\u2022 depending on the case, the procedures are prescribed to: \u25e6 help patients develop or improve fundamental visual skills and abilities;
\n\u25e6 improve visual comfort, ease, and efficiency;
\n\u25e6 change how a patient processes or interprets visual information.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 corrective lenses (regulated medical devices);
\n\u2022 therapeutic lenses (regulated medical devices);
\n\u2022 prism lenses (regulated medical devices);
\n\u2022 optical filters;
\n\u2022 occluders or eye patches;
\n\u2022 electronic targets with timing mechanisms;
\n\u2022 computer software;
\n\u2022 balance boards (vestibular device);
\n\u2022 visual-motor-sensory integration training devices.<\/p>\n