Not all vision problems can be corrected by spectacles or
contact lenses. Some people, including many children, have difficulty in
co-coordinating their two eyes.
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our Free Informational Brochure
to learn more about
Vision Therapy and Testing
In order to see something clearly, both eyes must be aimed
accurately at the object and focused at the right distance. Any problem
with the aiming or focusing of the eyes can cause a variety of symptoms,
including intermittent double vision, blurred vision, headaches and feeling of
eyestrain. Children with these problems often do not complain about them,
but may simply avoid tasks such as reading that are difficult or cause
discomfort.
Vision is the process of deriving meaning from what is seen.
It involves more than visual acuity (the ability to distinguish fine details).
Vision involves fixation and eye movement abilities,
accommodation (focusing),
convergence (eye aiming), binocularity (eye teaming), eye-hand coordination and
visual form perception. Vision is not entirely innate but continues to
develop after birth and is influenced by the visual environment and the
individual's experience. If a person's visual system has not developed to
its optimal level, visually demanding activities may lead to inefficient or
uncomfortable vision. Good visual acuity and healthy eyes are no assurance
that an individual does not have a vision problem.
Vision therapy (also referred to as visual training) is a
program aimed at remediating and enhancing an individual's visual abilities.
Its function is to :
-
Treat existing visual problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye), eye
alignment problems, eye coordination problems, poorly sustained near focus,
inadequate eye-hand coordination and immature perceptual development
-
Enhance the efficiency and comfort of visual function
-
Help prevent some visual problems
Each program of vision therapy must be designed to suit the specific needs of
the individual. Diagnostic testing, training procedures and the use of
lenses and prisms may be integral components of the successful treatment of a
vision problem. The frequency of consultation, the amount of home training
and the duration of a course of vision therapy will vary depending on the nature
and severity of the problem being treated and the specific needs of the patient.
Vision therapy is not used to strengthen eye muscles, but to improve the
coordination and efficient functioning and processing of the visual system.
Orthoptics is another term often used in connection with vision
therapy. Orthoptics is one part of a specific vision therapy program
directed at improving binocular alignment and visual acuity in individuals with
strabismus (turned eye or 'squint') and amblyopia ('lazy-eye').
Approximately half the population has some vision problem
requiring treatment. While the majority have refractive errors
(nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia), many people have
problems which can be improved or remediated by vision therapy. Although
its impact is greatest in children and young adults, vision therapy is effective
for patients of any age who may have difficulty utilizing their visual system
efficiently.
