Does Vision Therapy Actually Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Recently a National Eye Institute (NEI) funded study using multi-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trials showed that for a condition called convergence insufficiency (eye teaming difficulty) office-based vision therapy was successful in 75% of patients , and resulting in normal or significantly improved ...

Is vision therapy quackery?

According to Visionandlearning.org, a behavioral-optometry Web site, vision therapy can be used to treat reading problems, learning problems, spelling problems, attention problems, hyperactivity, coordination problems ; it can also treat a child who experiences “trouble in sports,” who “frustrates easily,” displays “ ...

Is Visual therapy Effective?

Recently a National Eye Institute (NEI) funded study using multi-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trials showed that for a condition called convergence insufficiency (eye teaming difficulty) office-based vision therapy was successful in 75% of patients , and resulting in normal or significantly improved ...

How long does it take for vision therapy to work?

Most children begin actually noticing a difference within six to eight weeks , about midway through the typical therapy program. Q: Will my child’s vision problem come back later in life? A: Generally speaking, children who successfully complete their vision therapy do not need further treatment.

What does vision therapy correct?

Vision Therapy is an individualized treatment program designed to improve and sometimes eliminate conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus), focusing insufficiency and excess, ocular muscle dysfunction, and learning-related vision disorders.

What is the success rate of vision therapy?

Recently a National Eye Institute (NEI) funded study using multi-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trials showed that for a condition called convergence insufficiency (eye teaming difficulty) office-based vision therapy was successful in 75% of patients , and resulting in normal or significantly improved ...

How often should you do vision therapy?

Since adults are often very motivated to solve their problems, progress may be fairly quick. If your problem is simple to correct, you may only need a few sessions of vision therapy. Other problems may require sessions two or three times per week , for weeks or months.

What age should you start vision therapy?

When can vision therapy start? Infants from ages 2-3 can start a program of vision, however the largest group begin as young as 5-6 years. Formal in-office sessions are often required to optimize the results, these are best for children aged 7 and over because they have a better understanding of instructions.

How do I know if I need vision therapy?

Requires extra time to complete homework. Reverses letters when reading, such as b’s and d’s. Demonstrates a short attention span with reading and schoolwork. Exhibits difficulty in focusing, visual tracking (following an object), or alignment and moving of the eyes after 6 months of age.

Can I do vision therapy at home?

Can you do Vision Therapy at home? Some eye doctors will recommend home activities or home computer programs . Vision therapy is most effective when performed under doctor supervision and results occur faster utilizing a combination of in-office vision therapy and home reinforcement.

Does ADHD affect eyesight?

Vision is more than 20/20 eyesight . Visual performance problems that go undetected can appear as some of the very same signs and symptoms that are commonly attributed to ADHD. Because of this, some children with vision problems are mislabeled as having ADHD.

Can occupational therapists do vision therapy?

Occupational therapy practitioners are recognized experts in addressing the vision processing deficits that occur from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Practitioners provide interventions to improve visual attention, search and speed, and efficiency in visual processing.

Does vision therapy help reading?

Vision therapy can help treat convergence insufficiency , thereby allowing a child’s reading skills to flourish.

Does vision therapy work in adults?

Vision therapy is often effective for adults because they are motivated to improve their visual abilities . When people have trouble using both eyes together or can’t focus for great lengths of time, they do not simply grow out of these problems. Children with visual problems often become adults with visual problems.

Does vision therapy help dyslexia?

Studies do not show that vision therapy successfully treats dyslexia . Vision therapy uses eye exercises to treat vision problems that can affect reading and learning, such as convergence insufficiency. Vision therapy is not the same as traditional treatment to correct problems like farsightedness.

Is vision therapy considered experimental?

Aetna considers vision therapy experimental and investigational for all other indications (e.g., anisometropic amblyopia, concussion, intermittent exotropia, and traumatic brain injury).

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.