Vision Therapy

Exercises and training to improve eye coordination, focusing, and visual processing skills.

Vision therapy is a program of exercises designed to improve visual skills and processing. It's used for convergence insufficiency, focusing problems, and visual problems after brain injury.

Key Takeaways

Exercises to improve visual function
Treats focusing and eye coordination problems
Helpful after concussion
Requires commitment to regular practice
Performed by specially trained therapists

What It Treats

Eye Coordination Problems

Convergence insufficiency
Divergence excess
Poor eye teaming

Focusing Problems

Accommodative insufficiency
Slow focusing
Eye strain with near work

After Brain Injury

Post-traumatic vision syndrome
Concussion-related visual problems
Stroke rehabilitation

What's Involved

Evaluation

Comprehensive visual skills assessment
Identify specific deficits
Create treatment plan

In-Office Sessions

Weekly 30-60 minute sessions
Supervised by therapist
Specialized equipment and activities

Home Exercises

Daily practice 15-30 minutes
Reinforce in-office work
Essential for success

Duration

Typically 12-24 weeks
Varies by condition and severity

Exercises May Include

Pencil push-ups
Brock string exercises
Computer-based activities
Prism training
Focusing flexibility exercises
Tracking activities

Evidence

Strong Evidence

Convergence insufficiency (CITT study)
Accommodative disorders

Emerging Evidence

Post-concussion visual problems
Some binocular vision disorders

Who Provides It

Optometrists with vision therapy specialty
Certified vision therapists
Some occupational therapists

Success Factors

Compliance with home exercises
Regular attendance
Motivation and engagement
Appropriate candidate selection

Medically Reviewed Content

This article meets our editorial standards

Written by:: Hashemi Eye Care Medical Team
Medically reviewed by:: Board-Certified Neuro-Ophthalmologist (MD, Neuro-Ophthalmology)
Last reviewed:: January 30, 2025

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