Many children have vision problems other than simple refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. These "other" vision problems include amblyopia ("lazy eye"), eye alignment or eye teaming problems, focusing problems, and visual perceptual disorders. Left untreated, these non-refractive vision problems can cause eyestrain, fatigue, and fatigue.
What Is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is a custom program of vision procedures performed under doctor supervision designed to develop eye movement skills, focusing abilities, depth perception, visual processing, and eye teaming skills. Through a series of exercises, along with the use of lenses, prisms, and filters, patients can develop the visual skills necessary for good functional vision. Vision therapy exercises can be performed both in-office and at home. The most effective treatment is achieved when vision therapy is done on an in-office basis with direct supervision, supplemented with exercises at home. Certain conditions (if mild enough) may be resolved with home therapy alone and periodic progress checks. Our office offers Computer-Assisted Home Therapy, whereby vision therapy exercises can be done at home with a computer program, and progress can be monitored by the doctor online. This is available for certain conditions.
The doctor will help determine what is best for each individual patient’s needs. The length and success of the program depends on the severity of the vision problem, the patient’s age and motivation, and diligence to perform the tasks as directed in the office and at home. Ophthalmology and neuroscience research shows that patients of all ages can improve in visual function due to neuroplasticity, contrary to an old belief that certain vision problems (eg. amblyopia) cannot be treated after childhood.
Overall, the goal of vision therapy is to treat vision problems that cannot be treated successfully with eyeglasses, contact lenses and/or surgery alone, and help people achieve clear, comfortable binocular vision.
The first step is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to find out if your visual skills can be made more efficient! (905) 666-4848
Vision Therapy Patient Testimonial
M is a 15-year-old boy whose doctor referred him to us because his vision was constantly blurry. He had trouble seeing in the distance, and also up close. He had trouble switching from his phone to the laptop and from looking at his desk up at the chalkboard. He had a lot of difficulty copying from the board. When he read, he had to hold things very close to his face (10cm). He had seen other doctors in the past, but they all told him that he didn’t need glasses, and nothing was wrong. Luckily, his latest optometrist realized there was an issue, and sent him for vision therapy.
M was diagnosed with severe Convergence Insufficiency, and Accommodative Dysfunction. He was given glasses to help his eyes focus, which helped at first, and he also started vision therapy to help improve his visual skills. After about 6 months of office therapy, along with diligent home practice, M no longer needed the glasses! He no longer complained of blurriness and double vision. He used to see the words moving around on the page when reading, but now he could read comfortably, and look from his laptop to the chalkboard and back to his desk easily. His referring optometrist even said that he seemed to be like a new person – at the first visit, M was very moody and disinterested, but this year, he was very pleasant and cooperative. We are so happy that vision therapy helped solve the problems he’d been suffering for so long! J
