What is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a personalised treatment program designed to improve visual skills and enhance the functioning of the visual system. It involves a series of exercises and activities that aim to develop and strengthen the connection between the eyes and the brain, improving visual abilities such as eye-tracking, focusing, convergence, and eye-hand coordination.

Vision therapy treats existing visual problems, enhances visual efficiency and comfort, and prevents certain visual issues. It is not intended to strengthen eye muscles, but rather to improve the coordination and processing of the visual system.

A vision therapy program typically includes:

• Personalised exercises using lenses, prisms, filters, and other equipment
• In-office and at-home training sessions
• Use of specialised tools like balance boards and digital simulations

The frequency and length of treatment vary depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of the visual problem being addressed.

Vision therapy can be used to address various visual issues, including:

• Amblyopia (lazy eye): Vision therapy can improve visual acuity and encourage both eyes to work together, regardless of age.
• Strabismus (crossed eyes or misaligned eyes): This treatment can help reduce or eliminate eye turns and teach the eyes to work together.
• Convergence insufficiency: Vision therapy can improve eye coordination and alleviate symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, and double vision.
• Binocular vision dysfunction: This includes issues with eye teaming and depth perception.
• Accommodative disorders: Vision therapy can help improve focusing abilities for near objects.
• Visual processing disorders: These include difficulties with spatial awareness and visual perception.
• Eye tracking problems: Vision therapy can enhance the ability to follow moving objects or text without interruption.
• Concussion-related visual disturbances: It can help address issues like double vision, blurry vision, and dizziness resulting from traumatic brain injuries.
• Learning-related vision issues: Vision therapy can assist with reading comprehension and other visual skills necessary for academic performance.
• Sports vision training: This can enhance visual skills relevant to athletic performance.
• Computer vision syndrome: Vision therapy can help alleviate eye strain associated with prolonged screen use.

It’s important to note that while optometrists widely use vision therapy, the medical community debates its effectiveness for specific conditions. Always consult with a qualified eye care professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific visual needs.

Vision therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals with various visual conditions and challenges. The key benefits of vision therapy include:

1. Improved visual skills: Vision therapy enhances fundamental visual abilities such as eye movement control, visual processing speed, visual attention, and convergence abilities.
2. Enhanced eye-brain coordination: It optimises the connection between the eyes and the brain, leading to better visual performance and information processing.
3. Alleviation of symptoms: Vision therapy can reduce headaches, eyestrain, dizziness, and other visual discomfort.
4. Better academic and work performance: By improving visual skills, vision therapy can contribute to enhanced reading fluency, comprehension, and overall academic or work efficiency.
5. Increased visual comfort: The therapy improves visual efficiency, which eases symptoms and provides greater comfort during visual tasks.
6. Treatment of specific conditions: Vision therapy can effectively address various visual issues, including amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), convergence insufficiency, and visual processing disorders.
7. Sports vision enhancement: It can improve visual skills relevant to athletic performance.
8. Alternative to surgery: In some cases, vision therapy may be a preferred treatment method for certain eye conditions, avoiding the risks associated with surgical interventions.
9. Stress reduction: By improving visual efficiency, vision therapy can contribute to reduced stress levels related to visual tasks.
10. Improved confidence and self-esteem: As visual skills improve, individuals often experience increased confidence in their abilities, particularly in academic or professional settings.

The best age for vision therapy depends on the individual’s needs, but early intervention is generally recommended for optimal results. While vision therapy can be beneficial at any age, starting early offers several advantages:

1. Children aged 5-6 years: This is often considered an ideal starting age for most vision therapy programs. At this age, children can typically follow instructions and engage in structured exercises.
2. Children as young as 2-3 years: Some vision therapy programs can begin at this age, especially for conditions like strabismus and amblyopia that require early intervention.
3. Ages 7 and up: Children in this age group tend to understand instructions better and can participate in more formal vision therapy sessions.
4. Preschool years (3-5): While formal vision therapy might not be suitable, activities to enhance visual development can be beneficial during this period.

It’s important to note that vision therapy can be effective for people of all ages, including adults. However, younger brains are generally more adaptable, which can lead to faster and more dramatic improvements.

• Early detection: Regular eye exams are crucial for identifying vision issues early. For children, annual exams are recommended.
• Individual needs: The ideal age for vision therapy varies depending on the specific visual condition and the child’s developmental stage.
• Neuroplasticity: While the brain remains adaptable throughout life, younger brains typically show greater plasticity, potentially leading to quicker results.

Remember, it’s never too late to start vision therapy. Even adults can benefit from these programs to improve visual comfort and efficiency. The most important factor is addressing vision concerns as soon as they are detected to prevent long-term complications and ensure optimal visual development.

Vision therapy has shown promise in helping manage symptoms associated with ADHD, although it is not a standalone treatment for the disorder. Recent research suggests that vision therapy can be an effective complementary approach to traditional ADHD treatments. Vision therapy may help ADHD by:

1. Improving visual skills: Vision therapy can enhance eye movement control, visual processing speed, and visual attention, which are often areas of difficulty for individuals with ADHD.
2. Addressing visual processing issues: Many individuals with ADHD have undiagnosed visual processing problems, convergence insufficiency, or difficulties with eye tracking. Vision therapy can help improve these areas.
3. Enhancing focus and attention: By improving visual skills, vision therapy may help reduce some challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, such as difficulties with attention and focus.
4. Supporting academic performance: Better eye tracking and visual perception can lead to increased reading speed and comprehension, potentially contributing to improved academic performance.

A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that children who received vision therapy demonstrated significant improvements in attention, reading comprehension, and visual perception compared to those who did not undergo therapy [1].

It’s important to note that vision therapy should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD, in conjunction with other evidence-based interventions such as medication and behavioural therapy. While vision therapy has shown benefits, it is not a cure for ADHD and its effectiveness may vary among individuals.

Have a question about Vision Therapy? Reach out to Dr Linda Lam, Optometrist at Eyespire Optometry who will be able to help.

Solan, H., Shelley-Tremblay, J., Ficarra, A., Silverman, M., & Larson, S. (2003). Effect of Attention Therapy on Reading Comprehension. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 36, 556 – 563. https://doi.org/10.1177/00222194030360060601.