Read a comprehensive list of FAQs about vision therapy at the Optometrists Network website. Also, Dr. Paul Harris, a developmental optometrist in Maryland and veteran in the field, has a wonderful PDF FAQ sheet for parents and educators.
Q. How are eyesight and vision different?
A. Eyesight is being able to see clearly at a distance. 20/20 is the measurement for visual acuity. Vision encompasses much more - it encompasses skills such as eye tracking, eye teaming, focusing and visual perceptual abilities.
Q. What is vision therapy?
A. Think of it as physical therapy for the eyes and brain together. Vision therapy is an individualized treatment program designed to remediate binocular vision dysfunctions and/or visual processing delays. Vision therapy trains or retrains the brain to effectively use the eyes to gather and respond to visual information.
A comprehensive program of vision therapy involves a progression of procedures designed to enhance a patient's ability to control eye alignment, eye movements, focusing ability and eye teaming. Special lenses, prisms, colored filters, equipment (such as balance boards) and computer programs are used to implement therapy activities. A well planned program of care, including scheduled homework activities, will develop a high level of visual-motor efficiency and endurance. Each stage of progress is closely monitored until the new vision skills are automatic.
Q. Why have I not heard of vision therapy before?
A. Vision therapy has been around for over 70 years, but unfortunately not enough doctors provide quality programs of vision therapy. Optometrists learn about vision therapy in school. However, putting it into practice in an office setting is a very different thing. It takes a great deal of time, equipment, staff and special training to provide the service. Fortunately, there are many optometrists and other professionals that are aware of the symptoms of binocular vision problems and refer for care when appropriate. We are working hard to get the word out!
Q. How long does vision therapy take?
A. Each vision therapy program is customized to that particular patient's needs. A comprehensive therapy program may last between 20 and 40 weeks - however it's really up to the patient and family to choose the number and frequency of sessions.. A patient may have weekly, one-on-one in-office sessions for 60 minutes. The patient will also be assigned homework activities to be completed four times between in-office sessions. Homework participation is critical to each program and tyipcally shows more rapid results and sometimes shorter programs of therapy.
Q. If I have 20/20 eyesight do I still need vision therapy?
A. It's possible. The ability to see letters clearly on a chart 20 feet away does not guarantee good binocular vision skills. Problems with eye teaming, tracking, focusing, alignment, endurance and visual processing may still be present and affect reading, learning, and performance in daily life.
Q. Will the results of vision therapy last?
A. Most patients who successfully incorporate their new vision skills into daily life enjoy long-term resolution of their visual problems. Depending on the severity of the case, patients with strabismus, amblyopia or traumatic brain injury may benefit from maintenance therapy activities to sustain their new visual abilities. |
