Amblyopia & Vision Therapy

VISION THERAPY

Vision therapy is a doctor-supervised, non-surgical and customized program of visual activities designed to correct certain vision problems and/or improve visual skills.

Unlike  eyeglasses  and  contact lenses , which simply compensate for vision problems, or eye surgery that alters the anatomy of the eye or surrounding muscles, vision therapy aims to teach the visual system to correct itself. Vision therapy is like physical therapy for the visual system, including the eyes and the parts of the brain that control vision. These are designed to improve and strengthen visual skills, and re-train the visual system to interpret visual input with increased accuracy and ease.

A vision therapy program is usually made up of monitored in-office and at home eye exercises that are done over weeks to months.

SHOULD I GET MY CHILD’S EYES CHECKED IF HE/SHE IS HAVING
PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL?

It is a good idea to have a full eye exam to be sure that there are no eye or vision problems if a child is having problems in school. An ophthalmologist who has experience with children would be best to do this type of exam. If there are vision problems those may need treatments in addition to treatments needed for learning problems.  Refractive errors  (problems focusing due to a need for glasses) may make it hard to see the board or to read. Other possible eye problems include  strabismus  (eye movement problems) and  amblyopia  (weak vision or lazy eye). Additionally frequent headaches, poor academic performance, inattentiveness in school, social withdrawal etc. are other symptoms that need to be evaluated.