What is Vision Therapy
What is Vision Therapy? A Simple Guide
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At The Vision and Learning Centre, we specialize in vision therapy, a personalized, non-surgical treatment designed to help individuals improve how their eyes and brain work together. But what exactly is vision therapy, and how does it work? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
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What is Vision Therapy?
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Vision therapy is a series of exercises and activities designed to strengthen the connection between the eyes and the brain. While glasses and contact lenses help with focusing and clarity, vision therapy helps improve the way you see and process visual information.
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It is commonly used to treat issues like:
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Eye coordination problems (how well your eyes work together)
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Lazy eye (amblyopia)
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Eye tracking difficulties (trouble following moving objects or reading smoothly)
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Focusing issues (trouble switching between near and far objects)
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Visual processing challenges (difficulty understanding what you see)
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These vision problems can affect learning, reading, concentration, sports performance, and even everyday tasks. Vision therapy aims to correct these issues by training your brain and eyes to function more efficiently.
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How Does Vision Therapy Work?
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Vision therapy works by using specific exercises and activities designed to target the visual skills that need improvement. Think of it like going to the gym—but instead of building muscle, you're strengthening your visual system.
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Here’s how it works in three simple steps:
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Assessment
First, we assess your or your child’s visual skills through a comprehensive eye exam. This helps us understand exactly what areas need improvement—whether it's eye coordination, focusing, or visual processing. -
Customized Exercises
Based on the assessment, we create a customized program of exercises. These exercises might involve focusing on objects at different distances, following moving targets with your eyes, or using special tools like prisms, lenses, or computerized games. The goal is to challenge and train the visual system. -
Progressive Improvement
Over time, with consistent practice, these exercises help retrain your brain and eyes to work better together. As the visual system becomes more efficient, you’ll likely notice improvements in reading, attention span, and even hand-eye coordination in sports or everyday tasks.
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Who Can Benefit from Vision Therapy?
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Vision therapy is not just for children. While it’s often used to help kids with learning difficulties, lazy eye, or crossed eyes, it can also benefit:
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Adults: Especially those who experience eye strain, headaches, or blurred vision after reading or working on computers for long periods.
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Athletes: Looking to sharpen their visual skills for better sports performance.
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Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries: Those recovering from concussions or strokes often need to retrain their visual system.
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SEN-Registered Children and those with Dyslexia or ADHD: Vision therapy can help address visual problems that might affect learning and focus.
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How Long Does Vision Therapy Take?
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The duration of vision therapy varies from person to person. Some people may notice improvements in just a few weeks, while others may require longer treatment depending on the severity of the visual problem. The key is consistency—completing exercises both at the clinic and at home is essential for success.
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Why Choose Vision Therapy?
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Vision therapy is a holistic, non-invasive approach that aims to improve the underlying visual skills necessary for clear, comfortable vision. It’s not just about seeing 20/20—it’s about training your eyes and brain to work together more effectively, improving your quality of life.
