Vision Therapy

Vision therapy refers to an individualized treatment program supervised by professionals in order to correct the cognitive visual deficiencies resulting from a number of causes and consequences. The program is also known as vision training of the entire visual system including eyes, brain, and body. It is a neurological therapy to treat and train the patient's brain about the usage of the eyes in receiving information, comprehending them quickly and react accordingly.

The cognitive deficiencies may result from excessive stress, trauma caused to the nervous system, hereditary contribution, or inadequate sensory development. Vision therapy is often compared to occupational or physical therapy in order to treat problems accompanying such kinds of deficiency including visual problems such as crossed or lazy eyes, double vision, convergence insufficiency and disabilities in reading. This non-surgical treatment is considered highly effective. It employs special computerized and optical devices and therapeutic lenses, prisms, and filters for the different procedures.

As far as learning disabilities are concerned, the visual problems affecting the ability to read, learn, and accept instructions are taken into consideration and tried to apprehend accordingly. However, the optometrists do not essentially claim that vision therapy might always lead to a direct and permanent solution to this particular disability.

A vision therapy program involves various exercises or procedures performed in one or two weekly sessions. These sessions usually take place under the supervision of the concerned doctor and are thoroughly individualized to fit the patient requirements. Often "homework" or supplementary procedures are suggested to carry out at home, in-between the interval period of the official sessions.

Depending on individual cases and the prescribed therapies, vision therapies have helped in developing essential visual skills and abilities and improve visual comfort and ease, by increasing the visual efficiency. Vision therapies also play a significant role in improving the learning disabilities of the child. It is important to remember, however, to consult a doctor and seek advice in deciding whether a vision therapy would be the best way to treat an individual case.