What is Vision Therapy or VT?

Vision therapy is a highly effective, individualized, non-invasive treatment option for a variety of visual problems. It was developed by optometrists who specialize in how vision is used; this is known as behavioral optometry or developmental optometry. The use of lenses, prisms, filters and other ophthalmic equipment is integral to optometric vision therapy. Our goal is to meet the patient’s visual needs and improve their quality of life. In addition, athletes with a desire to enhance their visual function to gain a competitive edge are known to seek a type of vision therapy called sports and performance vision training.

Who Benefits from Vision Therapy?

To know if you are a good candidate for vision therapy, you need a functional vision exam. These functional vision exams go beyond the standard “20/20” exam in order to find potential problems in how the brain gathers and processes information from the eyes rather than only testing the physical capability of the eyes to see (visual acuity). This can uncover issues that would be missed in most standard vision exams. Since 80% of learning occurs by way of the eyes, inefficient visual function can adversely affect all aspects of one’s life, including academic achievement, athletic performance, proficiency at work, and homemaking.

Vision therapy can be done for patients of any age and can treat issues such as:

  • Eye-teaming, focusing, and tracking deficits
  • Visual-processing disorders (“Eye-brain” coordination)
  • Lazy eye (Amblyopia)
  • Crossed eyes (Strabismus)
  • Visual-developmental delays
  • Traumatic brain injuries (i.e.: Concussion, stroke, other progressive neurological conditions)

It can be difficult to know if a child is having vision problems because they often can’t explain it. Below is a list of possible signs/symptoms of visual problems that could impact learning and other areas of life.

  • Excessive head movements
  • Frequent loss of place
  • Clumsy, poor depth perception
  • Closes or covers one eye
  • Poor reading comprehension
  • Pulling sensation around eyes
  • Avoids reading/near tasks
  • Double Vision
  • Eye Rubbing
  • Tilts or turns head
  • Fatigue and sleepiness
  • Crossed or drifting eye
  • Re-reads or skips lines/words
  • Uses finger to read
  • Poor attention span
  • Poor copying skills
  • Slow reading
  • Headaches
  • Moving print
  • Eyestrain
  • Tired, sore eyes
  • Blurred vision at near or when changing focus between distances

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the signs/symptoms above, or if you have a child that is struggling with school, call our office to schedule an evaluation at (724) 667-2020.