Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation
What are Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation?
Vision Therapy is an individualized optometric treatment aimed at enhancing and correcting non-pathological visual system dysfunctions. It consists of a series of exercises and activities designed to improve the functioning of the visual system and achieve better performance.
On the other hand, visual rehabilitation is the process that uses specialized techniques, tools, and exercises to optimize visual function in individuals with visual disabilities, visual system disorders, or neurological injuries.
Both Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation must be directed by a specialized optometrist who, depending on the optometric evaluation, perception and processing of visual information, and the specific needs of the patient, should prepare a personalized program of procedures aimed at developing, enhancing, or maximizing visual skills.
How does it work?
Based on the results obtained from the visual information processing evaluation, which is the outcome of the visual efficiency exam and the visoperceptive exam, as well as the patient's school, academic, work, or leisure needs, the optometrist prepares a personalized program of procedures aimed at developing and maximizing visual skills and integrating those skills with the other senses: auditory, balance, rhythm… These exercises are typically performed both periodically in the office and daily at home, in order to achieve the proposed objectives.
It is not about eye gymnastics, since we see with the brain; we work with it trying to make neural connections and/or reinforcing others.
With Vision Therapy, we are able to change the way the patient uses the visual system and consequently improve their academic, work, sports performance, etc., in addition to eliminating or reducing the symptoms that the patient initially presented. At the end of the program, through the repetition of exercises or activities, we can automate and integrate the changes, and these will start to become part of the patient without them having to make any effort to maintain them and without fear of the problems reappearing, since, as we mentioned earlier, we are working directly on the person's neurology, improving the brain function of their visual system.
What is used in Vision Therapy or Rehabilitation?
A variety of special tools and equipment are used, such as:
- Therapeutic lenses.
- Prisms.
- Filters.
- Eye patch or occlusives.
- Electronic targets with timers.
- Balance tables.
- Professional software.
- And many other tools designed for specific vision therapy activities.