While corrective eyewear such as contact lenses and eyeglasses can work well for many people, some patients have vision problems that require different types of treatment, which is why Park Slope Eye offers vision therapy as a great alternative to corrective eyewear. Here, your trusted eye doctor answers some common questions about this treatment option:
Q: What Is Vision Therapy?
Also commonly known as vision training, this pertains to a non-surgical program that involves doing a set of eye exercises for period of time. Therapy activities and length of treatment may vary per person, depending on your eye care needs. We may ask you to use eye patches and prisms, and we may include computer-aided activities and other optical devices in your sessions as well.
Q: How Does It Work?
Vision therapy is similar to physical therapy for your muscles. It takes advantage of your brain’s neuroplasticity ability to adapt to external stimuli. Repeatedly performing your treatment regimen helps develop the coordination between your visual and neurological systems.
Q: What Vision Problems Can It Manage?
Vision therapy has proven effective at managing binocular errors, such as lazy eyes (amblyopia). Patients with eye alignment and movement errors, like crossed eyes (strabismus) and dancing eyes (nystagmus), have also benefited. Your expert eye doctor may suggest incorporating this method in vision rehabilitative programs for patients with traumatic brain injuries or developmental delays.
Q: Am I a Good Candidate for It?
To determine your candidacy for vision therapy, we will perform several tests to evaluate both your visual health and neurological functions. We may then ask you to do some exercises to check how well your eyes and brain work together. We may also have you undergo some procedures to determine your compatibility with other vision correction options.
If you have any further questions about vision therapy, call us at (347) 380-7070. You may also fill out our form or send us a message to schedule a visit. We serve Park Slope, Brooklyn, and other nearby areas in New York.
