Arguably, people are experiencing more visual challenges these days compared to a few decades back. Whether genetics and/or the environment have something to do with it, poor vision is a concern that needs attention.
But thanks to technological advancements, the good news is that there is hope regarding improving vision. One of the most effective ways of improving vision is with vision therapy.
Common Vision Problems
The following are some of the most common eye complications affecting vision.
Eyestrain – Caused by prolonged exposure to mobile phones, television screens, and computer screens. Teary eyes and eye exhaustion usually characterize it.
Red Eye – One of the most common causes of red eye is conjunctivitis due to prolonged exposure to sunlight without protective shades.
Strabismus and Nystagmus – This is when eyes do not align well with each other. As a result, one eye might look away from the subject, but the individual can still see it. According to ophthalmologists, this condition might result from weak eye muscles that lack coordination.
Cataracts– This is the formation of a cloudy layer on the retina. The condition varies in severity from mild to extensive. Eye doctors remove cataracts using surgery.
Corneal Diseases – These are a series of complications that affect the cornea, the dome-shaped part of the eye. Damage to it might lead to other serious complications that could result in blindness.
Types Of Vision Therapy
The most common ways to correct or reduce the severity of eye problems and complications are surgery or wearing contacts or glasses. The following are some types of vision therapy that can correct vision complications and improve vision.
Patching: This type of therapy involves closing one eye. The purpose of this is to exercise the eye that is open so that it can see clearly. Usually, this process is repetitive and involves switching the patch from one eye to the other. This type of therapy treats amblyopia.
Computer-assisted therapy: This therapy involves activities that monitor and test eye movements.
Vision Rest: This therapy involves resting from strenuous eye activity that could cause the eye to get strained.
Pencil Push-ups: This therapy can treat eye conditions such as strabismus. The test involves looking at a pencil close to the nose and pulling it away. Doing this test every day improves the effectiveness of the sessions.
Effectiveness Of Vision Therapy
While varied opinions are weighing on the effectiveness of therapy, ophthalmologists agree that vision therapy does improve vision. Clinical trial research helped establish the efficiency of vision therapy. The trial tested children to see which technique was most effective. The study had 221 children aged nine to 17. Each participant with symptomatic convergence insufficiency got one out of these treatments.
The treatments are:
- Home-based computer vergence
- Home-based pencil push-ups (HBPP)
- Office-based vergence
- Pencil push-ups (HBCVAT+)
Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that vision therapy improved their vision.
For more on vision therapy, visit Village Optical at our office in New Hyde Park, New York. Call (516) 352-2316 to book an appointment today.
