Common Questions about Vision Therapy
There is more to vision therapy than simply strengthening the eyes. It also enhances the neurological connections between the eyes and the brain. Eyes are the windows of the brain. The brain directly influences sight based on how it interprets images received. A healthy connection between the eyes and the brain is essential for good eyesight.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the nature of vision therapy:
How does vison therapy work?
It uses progressive vision exercises performed under the supervision of your eye care provider and vision therapist. Each set of exercises is tailored to meet the individual visual needs of a patient. (These exercises are done 1 time per week in a session lasting about an hour in the office. The exercises are designed to continue until visual processing problems show improvement.) Home activities are prescribed to reinforce the vision skills worked on in the office.
What is the purpose of the vision exercises?
Vision exercises are designed to help patients improve basic visual skills that connect the eyes with the brain. These exercises can improve visual efficiency by changing how a patient interprets images. This helps them see and understand images correctly.
Do these exercises simply strengthen eye muscles?
Nothing around vision therapy is centered on strengthening eye muscles. This therapy is all about improving vision problems by strengthening the neurological pathways between the eyes and the brain.
What is the first step in a vision therapy program?
A comprehensive vision exam is necessary before starting therapy. Following the exam, your eye care provider may recommend a further workup for vison therapy, called a binocular vision evaluation. Often a visual processing assessment is also performed.
Is there scientific evidence that it really works?
Studies on vision therapy show it is effective in improving visual skills along with the lives of patients. Data shows that this therapy can improve visual function enough to keep it from interfering with a patient’s ability to absorb information and learn.
Who typically needs vision therapy?
It can be a useful tool for helping children and adults alike. Children with learning or reading problems can benefit from the vision boost these exercises provide. Eyeglasses are not the solution when the problem is visual processing. These problems can’t be detected without tests done by an eye doctor. Adults can see vision improvement through this therapy as well. It can help curb eye-strain related vision processing problems brought on by working with computers all day, and research in neuroplasticity points to it never being too late to intervene with visual deficits.