Vision therapy is typically defined as the methods used to develop or improve visual skills and abilities, often in children. The goal is usually to achieve clear and comfortable vision by improving the connection between the eye and the brain. At Progressive Eyecare in Indianapolis, our treatment plans are fully customized to the patient at hand to ensure that they have the best chance of achieving the desired results. Vision therapy goes above and beyond standard eye exercises to ensure the effective operation of the visual system by enhancing visual skills such as tracking, focusing, and hand-eye coordination.
How Therapy Helps With Visual Rehabilitation
In the average treatment plan, vision therapy uses lenses, prisms, filters, occluders, patches, balance boards, and more to create personalized exercises aimed at visual skill development and efficient visual processing.
As the science behind vision therapy continues to be studied and evolve, new techniques and technologies are being used to improve results while creating a more fun, engaging, and interactive experience. These exercises are often used to improve reading, learning, concentration, and attention in children as well as some adults, such as those who have suffered a brain or eye injury.
When is vision therapy prescribed?
In many cases, vision therapy is first recommended by a teacher who notices that a child is having difficulty with age-appropriate writing or reading assignments. When this happens, it’s best to visit an optometrist to see if there are any eye conditions that may be causing this. Common conditions treated with vision therapy include double vision, lazy eye, crossed-eyes, fatigue, coordination difficulties, perception and processing issues, and more.
Who can benefit from vision therapy?
Though vision therapy is most common in children, it can also be greatly beneficial to adults. Therapy may be a great solution for you or your child if either is experiencing:
• Difficulty changing focus from distance to near and back again
• Poor judgment of depth
• Loss of place, repetition, and/or omission of words while reading
• Reduced reading comprehension
• Messy handwriting
• Spelling difficulties such as reversing letters b, d, p, and q, or writing numbers backward, such as 2 & 5 or 6 & 9
• Difficulty maintaining attention
Some of these symptoms can also point to other conditions, so it’s important to consult with an experienced eye doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Ensure Proper Visual Development With Help From a Trusted Optometrist
If you suspect that you or a loved one could benefit from vision therapy, contact our team at Progressive Eyecare in Indianapolis today! We’ll work with you to identify and treat a wide range of eye conditions and impairments to help you achieve the quality of life you deserve. Are you looking for an eye doctor near you? For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (317) 595-8855.