If any deficits are found, a proper referral for vision therapy will be made.
Tracking: this refers to the ability to follow a moving object smoothly and accurately with both eyes – such as moving traffic or a ball coming towards you.
Depth perception: this is the ability to judge relative distances of objects and move accurately in a 3D space – for example, being able to walk down a flight of stairs.
Peripheral vision: this refers to the edges of your vision and your ability to assess what’s happening in your peripheral vision while paying attention to something directly in front of you.
Acuity at different distances: this is the ability to see clearly enough to identify and understand objects at both near and far distances.
Fixation: enabling patients to quickly and accurately look at, identify and understand stationery objects one after the other, for example, reading word to word.
Binocular vision: the ability for both eyes to work together in perfect synchronization.
Shifting focus: patients with this skill can look quickly at different distances without momentary blur.
Vision therapy has been shown to be an effective way of developing and improving the following visual skills, all of which are important for day-to-day life.
Vision therapy is generally conducted as an in-office treatment, under the close supervision of your eye doctor. Each vision therapy treatment plan is personalized; tailored to the specific individual needs of each patient. Most patients can expect to schedule hour appointments once or twice a week. You may also be given specific exercises to complete at home, which will support the progress that you are making during your in-office appointments. The components of Vision Therapy Treatment are non-invasive and drug-free, making VT suitable for the vast majority of patients, regardless of their age, health and history. For many people, vision therapy is a safe alternative to conventional eye surgeries.
There are various techniques that can be involved in vision therapy. These include, but aren’t limited to:
Prisms
Patches
Occluders
Therapeutic lenses
Exercises
The use of tools designed specifically for use in vision therapy exercises
By attending regular vision therapy appointments, patients can see an improvement in their vision, visual comfort and experience an overall improvement with the ease in which they use their eyes for daily activites.