Vision therapy is a supervised training program that is designed to help patients of all ages improve:

• Eye alignment 
• Eye tracking 
• Eye focusing 
• Eye movement 
• Visual processing

In-office vision therapy can help treat common vision problems like crossed eyes, lazy eyes, double vision, and learning-related vision problems.

What is in-office vision therapy?

Professional vision therapy should not be confused with eye exercise programs marketed to consumers. These at-home eye exercise programs are self-directed and self-paced, while in-office programs are more rigorous and are supervised by an optometrist.

In-office vision therapy is performed with specialized computer and optical devices. The visual exercise program is progressive and is individualized to fit the needs of each patient. Therapy sessions are conducted several times a week in-office with an optometrist and are usually supplemented with exercises performed at home. The in-office routine is designed to help patients improve their visual motor skills and endurance and/or alter how they process and interpret visual information.

Reasons for in-office vision therapy

Some vision problems can be treated with prescription eyewear or eye patches; however, many types of visual errors are best treated with vision therapy.

People of all ages can benefit from in-office vision therapy. It is designed to improve the following:

• Visual skills 
• Visual memory 
• Eye coordination 
• Eye teaming 
• Focusing skills 
• Eye tracking 
• Form discrimination

Performing In-Office Vision Therapy

The type of in-office vision therapy program prescribed by an optometrist will depend on the visual issues being treated. The first step is always a comprehensive eye and vision examination. Vision therapy sessions may involve the use of:

• Special corrective lenses 
• Optical devices 
• Computer programs 
• Optical filters 
• Prism lenses 
• Balance equipment 
• Eye patches 
• Electronic equipment

The goal of treatment is to enhance the brain's ability to control eye alignment, focusing, movement, and processing. Schedule a comprehensive vision exam with your optometrist to determine if in-office vision therapy is the best treatment for you.