Common Vision Conditions Affecting Children |
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Vision therapy can be described as physical therapy for the visual system, which includes the brain and eyes. It is an individualized treatment program prescribed to prevent the development of certain vision problems, to improve existing vision conditions, or help enhance specific vision skills. Vision therapy can help improve such vision skills as eye movement control, eye focusing ability and control, eye coordination, visual processing, and binocular vision.
Vision skills are developed and can be improved through practice just like any other skill. In vision therapy, a person is prescribed visual exercises or tasks that are to be practiced under given conditions. Repetition of these exercises or visual tasks can enhance vision. Therapy procedures can include the use of lenses, prisms, and filters, focusing exercises, and coordination tasks. Vision therapy programs are individualized for the patient and require careful guidance and frequent monitoring by an eye care professional to be successful.
The length of time required for completion of vision therapy programs, depends upon the type of vision condition, how long the condition has existed, the motivation of the patient, and the level of improvement that is desired. A typical program may include daily home therapy assignments and a weekly office session for several weeks to several months. The success of vision therapy depends on many factors including a patient's willingness too follow instructions and complete the therapy as scheduled. Throughout the prescribed therapy program, the tasks and/or exercises may change or made more difficult to allow for progression towards the desired goal. The outcome of vision therapy is often one of greatly improved, more efficient, and comfortable vision. |