You’ve likely heard bits and pieces about vision therapy, especially if your child struggles with reading or seems to lose focus easily. It’s natural to have questions and maybe even a little skepticism when you hear about a new approach.
Vision therapy isn’t a hoax. To put it simply, vision therapy is a highly effective, doctor-supervised program of eye exercises designed to correct and improve specific visual skills. It’s a non-surgical treatment that helps retrain the connection between the eyes and the brain to work together more efficiently.
What Is Vision Therapy and Who Is It For?
Vision therapy is a structured, personalized program of visual activities. You can think of it like physical therapy, but for your eyes and brain. Instead of just strengthening eye muscles, it retrains the entire visual system to function correctly.
A therapy program uses specialized tools like therapeutic lenses, prisms, and filters. These activities help your brain and eyes develop better teaming, focusing, and tracking skills.
We often recommend it for children and adults with certain vision problems that glasses or contacts alone cannot address. The main goal is to improve how the eyes communicate with the brain. This can lead to better performance in school, at work, and even in sports by improving skills like hand-eye coordination.
Common Vision Problems Vision Therapy Can Address
Certain visual challenges can make daily tasks like reading and concentrating very difficult. Vision therapy can help address a number of these conditions.
- Headaches
- Slow Note Taker
- Slow Reader
- Poor Coordination
- Squinting
A comprehensive evaluation with your optometrist can determine if a vision problem is the root cause.
Is Vision Therapy Based on Evidence?
This is a common and very fair question. The principles behind vision therapy are rooted in the concept of neuroplasticity. This is the brain’s amazing ability to change and form new connections throughout life. Many eye care professionals recognize its role in treating specific visual dysfunctions.
What often gets people confused is that vision therapy doesn’t make your vision sharper. It won’t correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, and it doesn’t mean you won’t have to wear glasses anymore. It’s a targeted treatment to address specific visual challenges.
Therapy sessions are designed to create new, more effective pathways between the eyes and the brain. With consistent practice, these new pathways become stronger. This strengthening can lead to lasting improvements in visual function and comfort.
Success often depends on an individual’s specific circumstances and commitment to the program. Many people who complete their personalized programs enjoy positive results and improved visual skills.
What to Expect from a Vision Therapy Program
Your journey begins with a thorough assessment to pinpoint any visual challenges you or your child may face. This comprehensive assessment goes far beyond a standard eye chart test. It measures abilities like eye tracking, focusing, and how well your eyes work together as a team.
If therapy is a good fit, we create a personalized plan just for you. No two vision therapy programs are exactly alike because no two people are exactly alike. Your plan will include a mix of in-office sessions and at-home exercises. This combination is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
How Long Does Vision Therapy Take?
The length of a program varies from person to person. Some people may need a program that lasts for a few months. Others may require more time to achieve their goals.
What Are the Costs of Vision Therapy?
It’s important to understand the financial side of any treatment plan. A good provider will be transparent about the entire process, including the costs involved.
When you meet with a potential provider, ask about their experience with conditions similar to yours. You should also ask what their evaluation process looks like and how they measure progress. Clear communication is important for a successful partnership.
Coverage for vision therapy can be complicated, as some insurance plans view it as educational rather than medical. It’s always best to check directly with your provider to understand your benefits. Your optometrist’s office can typically provide the information and codes you need for that conversation.
Ask Us Your Questions
Finding the right fit for your family is key to positive outcomes. At Professional Eyecare Centers, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of services, from vision therapy for kids and adults to effective dry eye treatments. We’re here to help you and your family navigate all your eye care needs in North Dakota.
We can’t wait to help you achieve your vision goals. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more.
