Vision therapy: Difference between revisions

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'''Vision therapy''', also known as '''visual training''', '''vision training''', or '''eye training''', is a group of [[therapy|therapeutic]] procedures and programs intended to correct or improve certain [[vision]] problems and/or enhance visual performance.
{{Short description|A therapeutic approach to improve visual skills and abilities}}


== Overview ==
== Vision Therapy ==
Vision therapy can be prescribed when a comprehensive [[eye examination]] indicates that it is an appropriate treatment option. The specific program of therapy is tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient. Typical programs involve in-office visits to the [[optometrist]] once or twice a week with procedures done under doctor supervision. Patients are often given supplemental procedures to be done at home between office visits.
[[File:186NanjingEyeExercises.jpg|thumb|right|Eye exercises being performed as part of vision therapy.]]
'''Vision therapy''' is a type of physical therapy for the eyes and brain. It is a non-surgical treatment that aims to improve visual skills and abilities, enhance visual comfort, ease visual tasks, and change how a patient processes or interprets visual information. Vision therapy is often used to treat conditions such as [[strabismus]], [[amblyopia]], [[convergence insufficiency]], and other binocular vision disorders.


== Conditions treated ==
== Techniques and Exercises ==
Vision therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Vision therapy involves a variety of techniques and exercises designed to improve the coordination and function of the eyes. These exercises are typically performed under the supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist and may include the use of specialized equipment such as prisms, lenses, filters, and computer programs.
* [[Strabismus]] and [[Amblyopia]]
 
* [[Convergence insufficiency]]
=== Eye Exercises ===
* [[Binocular vision]] problems
[[File:186NanjingEyeExercises.jpg|thumb|left|Students practicing eye exercises.]]
* [[Eye movement]] disorders
Eye exercises are a fundamental component of vision therapy. These exercises are designed to strengthen the eye muscles, improve focusing ability, and enhance eye movement control. Common exercises include:
* [[Focusing disorders]]
 
* [[Visual-perceptual disorders]]
* '''Pencil push-ups''': A technique used to improve convergence by focusing on a small object as it is moved closer to the nose.
* [[Visual-motor integration]] problems
* '''Brock string''': A tool used to improve binocular vision and depth perception by focusing on beads along a string.
* [[Learning-related vision problems]]
* '''Computer programs''': Interactive software designed to improve visual processing and eye coordination.
 
== Conditions Treated ==
Vision therapy is used to treat a variety of visual disorders, including:
 
* '''Strabismus''': A condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object.
* '''Amblyopia''': Often referred to as "lazy eye," this condition involves decreased vision in one eye due to abnormal visual development.
* '''Convergence insufficiency''': A condition where the eyes do not work together while focusing on a nearby object.
* '''Dyslexia and other learning disabilities''': Vision therapy may be used to address visual processing issues that contribute to learning difficulties.


== Effectiveness ==
== Effectiveness ==
The effectiveness of vision therapy for strabismus and amblyopia has been a subject of ongoing debate within the medical community. Some studies have found it to be an effective treatment, while others have not. The [[American Academy of Ophthalmology]] and the [[American Academy of Pediatrics]] have both stated that there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the use of vision therapy for the treatment of learning disabilities.
The effectiveness of vision therapy can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient. Some studies have shown that vision therapy can be effective in improving certain visual skills and reducing symptoms associated with binocular vision disorders. However, the scientific community continues to debate the efficacy of vision therapy for certain conditions, and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations.


== See also ==
== Related Pages ==
* [[Orthoptics]]
* [[Optometry]]
* [[Optometry]]
* [[Ophthalmology]]
* [[Ophthalmology]]
* [[Pediatric ophthalmology]]
* [[Binocular vision]]
 
* [[Visual perception]]
== References ==
<references />
 
== External links ==
* [http://www.covd.org/ College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD)]
* [http://www.oepf.org/ Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF)]
* [http://www.visiontherapy.org/ Vision Therapy Page]


[[Category:Eye]]
[[Category:Vision therapy]]
[[Category:Therapy]]
[[Category:Optometry]]
[[Category:Optometry]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:11, 15 February 2025

A therapeutic approach to improve visual skills and abilities


Vision Therapy[edit]

Eye exercises being performed as part of vision therapy.

Vision therapy is a type of physical therapy for the eyes and brain. It is a non-surgical treatment that aims to improve visual skills and abilities, enhance visual comfort, ease visual tasks, and change how a patient processes or interprets visual information. Vision therapy is often used to treat conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia, convergence insufficiency, and other binocular vision disorders.

Techniques and Exercises[edit]

Vision therapy involves a variety of techniques and exercises designed to improve the coordination and function of the eyes. These exercises are typically performed under the supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist and may include the use of specialized equipment such as prisms, lenses, filters, and computer programs.

Eye Exercises[edit]

Students practicing eye exercises.

Eye exercises are a fundamental component of vision therapy. These exercises are designed to strengthen the eye muscles, improve focusing ability, and enhance eye movement control. Common exercises include:

  • Pencil push-ups: A technique used to improve convergence by focusing on a small object as it is moved closer to the nose.
  • Brock string: A tool used to improve binocular vision and depth perception by focusing on beads along a string.
  • Computer programs: Interactive software designed to improve visual processing and eye coordination.

Conditions Treated[edit]

Vision therapy is used to treat a variety of visual disorders, including:

  • Strabismus: A condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object.
  • Amblyopia: Often referred to as "lazy eye," this condition involves decreased vision in one eye due to abnormal visual development.
  • Convergence insufficiency: A condition where the eyes do not work together while focusing on a nearby object.
  • Dyslexia and other learning disabilities: Vision therapy may be used to address visual processing issues that contribute to learning difficulties.

Effectiveness[edit]

The effectiveness of vision therapy can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient. Some studies have shown that vision therapy can be effective in improving certain visual skills and reducing symptoms associated with binocular vision disorders. However, the scientific community continues to debate the efficacy of vision therapy for certain conditions, and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations.

Related Pages[edit]