Also known as visual training or vision training, vision therapy include a wide range of techniques for preventing the development of visual problems, such as strabismic and non-strabismic binocular dysfunctions, visual motor disorder, visual perception disorder etc…Vision therapy is so important because nowadays a large group of people suffer from eye problems and diseases and vision therapy helps them in developing visual abilities and efficiency.
Vision therapy has evolved since centuries ago, though in different terms. The formal concept of vision therapy appeared in the nineteenth century for strabismus treatment, which corresponded to the orthoptics vision therapy today. After the collaboration of eye experts and neuroscientists, vision therapy was expanded into the treatment of other vision problems, including binocular and dysfunction in visual focusing, perception and motor skills.
Vision therapy includes various non-surgical methods and has developed into two common categories: orthoptic vision therapy and behavioral vision therapy. Eye problems suitable for orthoptic vision therapy include strabismus and diplopia. They need the cooperation between orthoptists and ophthalmologists. Behavioral vision therapy is also called non-strabismic visual therapy. Optometrists alone can manage it. People who suffering from eye strain and visual-induced headaches also need behavioral vision therapy. Professional athletes may take behavioral vision therapy to improve their sensitivity to peripheral vision on the field.
In US schools, vision disorders affect one out of four students and cause difficulty in their daily lives, such as school work and sports activities. Vision therapy is effective in treating many acquired and congential vision dysfunctions. Vision Therapy Academy at visiontherapyacademy.com and Vision Therapy Group at visiontherapygroup.com are the professional organizations offering vision therapy information and treatment.