Vision therapy is a customized program of exercises and activities that
are designed to improve visual skills. It is often used to treat a
variety of vision problems for instance, amblyopia, strabismus, convergence insufficiency, accommodative insufficiency, and visual-perceptual problems.
Vision therapy is typically done under the supervision of a optometrist. The optometrist will assess the individual's visual skills and develop a customized program of exercises. The program will typically last for several months, and the individual will need to practice the exercises at home but in beginning patient has to come in clinic.
Vision therapy is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of vision problems. It can help to improve visual skills and reduce the symptoms of vision problems. However, it is important to note that vision therapy is not a cure for all vision problems. If you are experiencing vision problems, it is important to see an eye doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
In this article we will know about the vision therapy for amblyopia treatment and which therapy has to give to patient.
Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, but actually this is not correct, it is a condition in which the brain prefers to use one eye over the other. This is usually due to a problem with the way the eyes develop during childhood. Amblyopia can cause decreased vision in the weaker eye, and it can sometimes lead to permanent vision loss if it is not treated. So, In amblyopia eyes are not lazy but the brain is.
The common causes of amblyopia are refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and anisometropia), strabismus.1
The symptoms of amblyopia can vary, but they may include:
- One eye appears to be weaker than the other.
- The child tilts or turns their head to see better.
- The child has difficulty following moving objects with both eyes.
- The child has difficulty with depth perception.
Diagnosis of amblyopia
The Diagnosis of amblyopia is done by:
- Visual acuity test: This test measures how well each eye can see. The child will be asked to read letters or numbers on a chart, and the doctor will compare the vision in each eye.
- Cover test: This test is used to assess the alignment of the eyes. The doctor will cover one eye and then the other, and they will look for any changes in the alignment of the eyes.
- Eye alignment test: This test is used to measure the angle of misalignment of the eyes. The doctor will use a special instrument to measure the angle between the two eyes.
If the doctor suspects that a child has amblyopia, they may also order other tests, such as an eye exam, a brain scan, or a test of the child's depth perception.
Treatment
- Patching
- Corrective eye wear
- Penalization
- Vision therapy
- Surgery
Role of vision therapy in amblyopia treatment
In the case of amblyopia, vision therapy can help to improve the way the brain uses the weaker eye. This is done by providing the weaker eye with more visual stimulation. The exercises and activities used in vision therapy are typically tailored to the individual's specific needs.
In a study there were 19 subjects in the case group and 17 subjects in the control group. The controlled group received vision therapy, optical correction, and part-time patching of the weaker eye and a control group received optical correction and part-time patching of the weaker eye. End of the study they found that there were no changes in visual acuity in case group after discontinuation of vision therapy. Patients who received vision therapy have better visual acuity improvement then who received only glass correction and patching.2
Types of amblyopia therapy
Vision therapy helps to treat amblyopia with the combination of manual and computer therapy:
1. Manual Therapy
- 4-Corner saccades and marsden ball (if patient is able to read)
- Manual eye movements with help of toy
- Bar reader
- TV trainer with modified hart chart
- Prism dissociation
2. Computer Therapy
- MFBF (Monocular Fixation in Binocular Field)
- Antisuppression therapy
- Stereopsis (Far and Near)
- Dichoptics
- Gabor patches
- Crowding phenomenon
Benefits of Vision therapy in amblyopia
Here are some of the benefits of vision therapy for amblyopia:
- It can improve vision in the weaker eye.
- It can improve binocular vision.
- It can improve depth perception.
- It can help to reduce eye strain.
- It can help to improve overall visual performance.
- Improves quality of life.
