What is Vision?

Vision is more than the limited concept of sight measured in terms of visual acuity. Vision is the process of deriving meaning from what is seen. It involves fixation and eye movement abilities, accommodation (eye focusing), convergence (eye aiming), binocularity (eye teaming), eye-hand coordination, visual perception and visual-motor integration.

What is Vision Therapy?

Optometric vision therapy, also referred to as visual training or orthoptics, is a treatment regimen to correct or improve specific dysfunctions of the visual system identified by standardized diagnostic criteria. It includes, but is not limited to the treatment of strabismus, amblyopia, accommodation, ocular motor functions and visual-perceptual-motor abilities.

The medical necessity for optometric vision therapy is determined from a comprehensive analysis and diagnosis of the functioning of the visual system. Treatment plans are directed at the specific diagnosed dysfunctions and encompass the use of lenses, prisms and patching among others. Because the therapy is individualized, the procedures used and the duration of therapy are dependent upon the nature and severity of the problem being treated and the specific needs of the patient.

Who Can Benefit?

Optometric vision therapy is effective for patients of any age although the objectives and outcomes will vary depending on the diagnosis and circumstances. Optometric vision therapy is effective for treating developmental, acquired and/or some congenital visual dysfunctions.

Of the entire U.S. population, approximately one half of those three years of age or over require treatment for a vision problem. Among school-age children, vision disorders affect one in every four. While many of these patients have refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia and/or astigmatism) and may wear glasses, some have additional problems in the functioning of the visual system that are most appropriately treated with optometric vision therapy.

How Can It Help?

The American Optometric Association affirms its long-standing position that optometric vision therapy is effective in the treatment of physiological, neuro- muscular and perceptual dysfunctions of the vision system. The ability to learn in school, achieve on the job, and enjoy sports and recreation depends upon efficient vision. Optometric vision therapy assists individuals in developing visual abilities and efficiency most suited to their needs and enables those individuals to achieve maximal levels of visual performance. Optometric vision therapy can help individuals achieve and maintain good vision throughout life.

For more information:

• University Optometric Center
• American Optometric Association

Source(s): Above information is taken from University Optometric Center and American Optometric Association. All rights reserved of the respective owners.

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Disclaimer: Any information displayed here is just for educational purposes, and may not be taken as an expert advice and should not be applied in life without consulting your eye doctor/specialist. We here by take no responsiblity of the accuracy of the above content as they have been taken from various sources.

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