Vision Therapy
Vision therapy is a type of physical therapy for the eyes and brain and is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for many commom visual conditions such as lazy eye, crossed eyes, double vision, convergence insufficiency, and some reading and learning disabilities.
What is involved in a Vision Therapy program?
Vision therapy is:
- a progressive program of vision “exercises” or procedures
- performed under doctor supervision
- individualized to fit the visual needs of each patient
- conducted in-office, in once or twice weekly sessions of 30 minutes to one hour
- sometimes supplemented with procedures done at home between office visits (“home reinforcement” or “homework”)
(Depending on the Case) Prescribed to:
- help patients develop or improve fundamental visual skills and abilities
- improve visual comfort, ease, and efficiency
- change how a patient processes or interprets visual information
Vision Therapy Is Not Just Eye Exercises
Vision Therapy is not to be confused with any self-directed self-help program of eye exercises which is or has been marketed to the public. In-office Vision Therapy is supervised by optometric vision care professionals and various types of treatment devices are used (and some are regulated medical devices), such as:
- corrective lenses (regulated medical devices)
- therapeutic lenses (regulated medical devices)
- prism lenses (regulated medical devices)
- optical filters
- eye patches or occluders
- vestibular (balance) equipment
- visual-motor-sensory integration training devices
The first step in any Vision Therapy program is a comprehensive vision examination. Following a thorough evaluation, Dr. Wampler or Dr. Wineinger can advise the candidate as to whether Vision Therapy would be appropriate treatment.