Mcdonald Optical
Specialty Eye Care solutions
Vision Therapy From Premier Eye Doctors
Doctor’s Note: McDonald Optical’s optometrists in Iowa City are trained to detect the types of problems listed below and will make the referral for vision therapy if they feel it will be beneficial or necessary.
What Is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is a form of physical therapy used on the eyes and brain. It is designed to resolve vision problems that can contribute to learning disabilities. This therapy can also effectively treat problems like a lazy eye, crossed eyes, or double vision.
Many vision problems do not require surgery for correction. In these situations, vision therapy may be an option.
There is more to vision therapy than simply strengthening the eyes. It also enhances the neurological connections between the eyes and the brain. Eyes are the windows of the brain, and it directly influences sight based on how it interprets images received. A healthy connection between the eyes and the brain is essential for good eyesight.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the nature of vision therapy programs:
- How does vision therapy work?
- A comprehensive eye exam is necessary before starting therapy. Following the exam, your eye care provider can determine whether or not this type of therapy is the recommended treatment for your vision problems.
- What is the purpose of vision therapy?
- Vision exercises are designed to help patients improve basic visual skills that connect the eyes with the brain. These exercises can improve optical efficiency by changing how a patient interprets images. This helps them see and understand images correctly.
- Do vision therapy exercises strengthen eye muscles?
- Nothing about vision therapy is centered on strengthening eye muscles. These muscles can be strengthened through orthoptics if they need strengthening. This therapy is all about improving vision problems that may interfere with learning by strengthening the neurological pathways between the eyes and the brain.
- What is the first step in a vision therapy program?
- A comprehensive eye exam is necessary before starting therapy. Following the exam, your eye care provider can determine whether or not this type of therapy is the recommended treatment for your vision problems.
Is There Scientific Evidence That Vision Therapy Really Works?
It does work. Studies on vision therapy show it is effective in improving the lives of patients. Data shows that this therapy can improve visual function enough to keep it from interfering with a patient’s ability to absorb information and learn. In its own sphere, this eye care therapy is as effective as physical therapy or occupational therapy.
Who Needs Vision therapy?
It can be a valuable tool for helping children and adults alike.
Children with learning or reading problems can benefit from the vision boost these exercises provide. Eyeglasses are not always the solution when the problem is visual processing, and these problems can’t be detected without tests done by an eye doctor during an eye exam.
Adults can see vision improvement through this therapy as well. It can help curb eye-strain-related vision processing problems brought on by working with computers all day.
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Give us a call at 319-359-3307 or Book Online Here
