Vision Therapy

Young girl participating vision therapy in Birmingham

1. WHAT IS VISION THERAPY?

Vision therapy is a specialized program, which helps correct visual, developmental and perceptual problems that are not helped through glasses or contacts. Think of vision therapy as physical therapy for the eyes and brain. If you or someone you know has vision problems, behavioral problems or learning problems, vision therapy might help.

2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Noticeable benefits and results of vision therapy depends on the type of vision problem being treated, as well as the motivation of the patient to practice the activities and procedures prescribed by the optometrist. The exact activities and procedures for any given patient are determined after testing and consultation with the optometrist.

3. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VISION DEVELOPMENT CENTER’S EXAM AND A REGULAR EYE EXAM?

Vision Development Center’s optometrist will be testing for all of the visual skills required in order for a child/adult to function properly in learning/work environment. In addition, patients are tested for visual acuity and the general health of the eyes. Our doctors have earned a post-doctorate fellowship and are specialized in developmental vision problems

Testing checks the following areas:

  • Primitive motor reflexes (PMR) – integration of motor planning for the visual system
  • Spatial Projection – understanding where self and objects are in space
  • Accommodation – localization of far/near objects
  • Strabismus – the turn of one or both eyes
  • Sustained focusing ability – ability to look at near without fatigue and blur
  • Binocularity – ability to efficiently use both eyes together
  • Tracking – ability to follow an object smoothly and accurately
  • Fixations – ability to quickly and accurately locate objects
  • Stereopsis – ability to perceive depth
  • Peripheral vision – ability to perceive presence outside the direct line of vision
  • Amblyopia – reduced vision in one or both eyes (“lazy eye”)
  • Syntonics – development of visual system through light and color

4. HOW SUCCESSFUL IS VISION THERAPY?

Vision therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment. For most conditions treatment is 85-90 percent effective. Much of the success depends on the patients willingness to follow the doctors instructions. For patients that do so, significant progress usually results.

Diverse Family Group

5. IS AGE A BARRIER?

People of all ages have benefited from vision therapy. Though it is always considered beneficial to be able to intervene at an early age, it is noted that patients who are willing and motivated will encounter good results.

Frustrated Hispanic Son and Mother Study

6. CAN VISION THERAPY HELP WITH LEARNING PROBLEMS?

Vision therapy can be directed toward resolving visual problems which interfere with educational instruction and some learning problems. It can help to improve visual function so the student is better equipped for success in school or any other learning environment.

Take a minute to answer the questions on our exam checklist.

Read the questions below and see how you score. If you answer yes to several items, a comprehensive eye exam is recommended. Do you observe the following behavior(s) in yourself or your child?
  • One eye turns, drifts or aims in a different direction than the other eye? Crossed eye? Wandering eye? (Look carefully -- this can be subtle. This is significant even if it only happens occasionally, such as when the person is tired, stressed or ill).
  • Frequent squinting or closing of one eye?
  • Excessive blinking or squinting?
  • Poor visual/motor skills (including "hand-eye coordination")?
  • Problems moving in space, frequently bumps into things or drops things?
  • Difficulties catching and/or throwing airborne objects?
  • Repeatedly confuses left and right directions?
  • Appears to favor the use of one eye?
  • Turns or tilts head in order to use one eye?
  • Posture problems? Head is frequently tilted to one side or one shoulder is obviously higher?
  • While reading or doing close work, do you notice any of the following in yourself or your child?
  • Becomes quickly fatigued?
  • Has posture problems?
  • Rubs eyes frequently?
  • Squints or blinks excessively?
  • Frequently loses one's place when reading or copying from the board or paper?
  • Frequently skips words and/or has to re-read?
  • Repeatedly omits small words?
  • Vision becomes blurry?
  • Uses finger to read?
  • Holds the book or object unusually close?
  • Closes one eye or covers eye with hand?
  • Twists or tilts head toward book or papers?
  • Moves head back and forth (instead of moving eyes)?
  • Struggles with handwriting?
Do you or your child frequently complain of:
  • Only able to read for short periods of time?
  • Burning or itching eyes?
  • Headaches in forehead or temples?
  • Nausea or dizziness?
  • Motion sickness?
  • Double vision?

If you answer "yes" to several of the questions, an eye exam is recommended.

Schedule an Appointment

Call us today with questions or to schedule your appointment.