Vision Therapy

Vision therapy is a customized program of visual activities designed to correct certain vision problems and improve visual skills. Unlike glasses or surgery, vision therapy teaches the visual system to correct itself through structured activities and exercises.

What is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a doctor-supervised, non-surgical, and customized program of visual activities designed to correct specific vision problems and improve visual skills. It involves a series of procedures carried out in both the office and at home, typically under professional supervision.

Who Can Benefit from Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy can help individuals experiencing:

Learning-Related Vision Problems: Children who struggle with reading, writing, or comprehension despite normal intelligence may have underlying vision issues affecting their ability to learn.

Eye Coordination Problems: Difficulty with eye teaming, tracking, or focusing can cause double vision, eyestrain, and reading difficulties.

Lazy Eye (Amblyopia): A condition where one eye has reduced vision that cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contacts alone.

Crossed Eyes (Strabismus): Misalignment of the eyes that affects depth perception and can lead to double vision.

Convergence Insufficiency: Difficulty bringing the eyes together when reading or doing close work, causing eyestrain and fatigue.

Post-Concussion Vision Syndrome: Vision problems following a traumatic brain injury or concussion.

Visual Processing Disorders: Difficulties in how the brain processes visual information, affecting learning and daily activities.

What Happens During Vision Therapy?

Our vision therapy programs are individually designed based on comprehensive testing and evaluation. Sessions typically include:

Therapeutic Lenses: Specialized lenses that help train the visual system.

Prisms: Optical devices that change how light enters the eyes, helping to improve eye coordination.

Optical Filters: Colored filters that can enhance visual processing and reduce visual stress.

Computer-Assisted Activities: Interactive programs designed to improve specific visual skills.

Balance and Coordination Exercises: Activities that integrate vision with body movement.

Visual-Motor Integration Activities: Exercises that coordinate hand-eye movements and visual processing.

The Vision Therapy Process

Comprehensive Evaluation: We begin with detailed testing to identify specific visual deficiencies and create a customized treatment plan.

In-Office Sessions: Weekly or bi-weekly sessions in our office, typically lasting 45-60 minutes, where you work one-on-one with a trained vision therapist.

Home Reinforcement: Daily activities prescribed for home practice to reinforce skills learned during office visits.

Progress Monitoring: Regular assessments to track improvement and adjust the program as needed.

Duration: Most programs last 12-24 weeks, depending on the condition being treated and individual progress.

Conditions We Treat

• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Strabismus (eye turn)
• Convergence insufficiency
• Accommodative dysfunction
• Oculomotor dysfunction
• Visual processing disorders
• Learning-related vision problems
• Post-concussion vision syndrome
• Sports vision enhancement

Success Rates and Research

Vision therapy has been extensively researched and proven effective for many conditions. The Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT), funded by the National Eye Institute, demonstrated that office-based vision therapy is highly effective for treating convergence insufficiency.

What to Expect

Improvement varies by individual and condition, but many patients experience:

• Improved reading speed and comprehension
• Reduced eyestrain and headaches
• Better concentration and attention span
• Enhanced sports performance
• Improved academic or work performance
• Better depth perception and spatial awareness

Is Vision Therapy Right for You?

If you or your child experiences difficulty with reading, learning, eye coordination, or visual processing, a comprehensive vision evaluation can determine if vision therapy would be beneficial. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve your visual goals.

Schedule a consultation today to learn how vision therapy can help you or your child achieve visual success.