Who can benefit from vision therapy? 

Vision therapy can benefit individuals of all ages, from children to adults. It is especially helpful for individuals with the following conditions: 

• Strabismus (crossed eyes): A misalignment of the eyes, where one or both eyes turn in, out, up, or down.
  
• Amblyopia (lazy eye): Reduced vision in one eye due to a lack of visual stimulation during childhood. 
• Convergence insufficiency: Difficulty in maintaining proper eye alignment and focusing when looking at near objects. 
• Computer vision syndrome (CVS): With the increasing use of digital devices, many individuals experience eye strain, fatigue, and discomfort known as computer vision syndrome. Vision therapy addresses the visual demands associated with prolonged screen time, improving focusing abilities and reducing symptoms related to digital eye strain. 
• Color vision correction: Color vision deficiencies can affect an individual’s ability to perceive and distinguish different colors. Vision therapy, including color vision training techniques, can enhance color perception and discrimination skills. 
• Eye tracking problems: Challenges with smoothly and accurately following moving objects or reading. 
• Eye teaming problems: Difficulty in coordinating the eyes to work together effectively, leading to blurred or double vision. 
• Visual processing disorders: Difficulties in understanding and interpreting visual information, affecting reading, writing, and learning. 

Benefits of vision therapy 

Vision therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals experiencing various vision-related issues. Some of the benefits of vision therapy include:

• Improved visual skills: Vision therapy helps develop and strengthen essential visual skills such as eye tracking, focusing, eye teaming, and visual processing, leading to better overall visual performance. 
• Enhanced academic performance: Many vision-related issues can affect a child’s ability to learn and perform in school. By addressing these issues through vision therapy, children can experience improved reading, writing, and overall academic performance. 
• Reduced symptoms of computer vision syndrome: Vision therapy can help alleviate symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome, such as eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes, by teaching individuals how to use their eyes more efficiently during prolonged screen time. 
• Color vision correction: Vision therapy can improve color perception and discrimination skills for individuals with color vision deficiencies, enhancing their ability to accurately interpret and distinguish colors. 
• Improved quality of life for patients with strabismus or amblyopia: Vision therapy can help patients with strabismus and amblyopia achieve better binocular vision, depth perception, and overall visual function, leading to an improved quality of life. 
• Better sports performance: Sports vision training helps athletes enhance their visual skills, including depth perception, tracking moving objects, peripheral vision, and hand-eye coordination. Improved visual skills can contribute to better performance in sports and activities requiring visual precision. 
• Long-lasting results: The skills and techniques learned through vision therapy can lead to long-lasting improvements in visual performance and overall quality of life. 
• Customized approach: Vision therapy programs are tailored to each individual’s unique needs and visual challenges, ensuring that the most effective techniques and exercises are utilized to achieve the best possible results
  

What to expect during your vision therapy appointment 

The first step in any vision therapy program is a comprehensive eye exam so that our specialists can get a better understanding of the current state of vision and eye health. Based on the findings, we can determine whether you or your child are a good candidate for vision therapy and develop a personalized treatment plan.  

During in-office vision therapy sessions, our trained vision therapists will guide you or your child through the prescribed activities and exercises. These sessions are designed to improve eye coordination, focusing abilities, and other visual skills. 

Alongside in-office sessions, our team will provide you or your child with exercises and activities to practice at home. Consistent practice is essential for achieving optimal results and progress in your vision therapy program. 

Regular progress evaluations will be conducted to track your improvement and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Our team will closely monitor your progress and ensure that your goals are being met throughout the vision therapy process. 

Schedule a vision therapy consultation in Chicago 

If you or your loved one is experiencing visual difficulties or has been diagnosed with a vision condition, schedule a consultation for vision therapy at Primary Eye Care Associates in Chicago today.