Let’s Talk About Some Vision Therapy Myths

Take our Vision Quiz to learn whether you should explore Vision Therapy

Vision Therapy Is Only For Children.

Although children may be a considerable portion of the patient pool for any given office, this is certainly not the case. The reason you might find more children, adults, or young adults in therapy is for a few reasons. Generally, diagnosing and treating a visual disorder early is one of the most effective ways of getting someone’s system back in order. The longer we leave a problem unchecked the more likely it will worsen as the years go on. Never believe the classic phrase “It will get better on its own”, we’ll end up seeing you in therapy years later with triple the amount of work to do. Having a bulk of children in therapy tells us something. It tells us that the parents are proactive in their children's life about seeking the proper healthcare treatments to make sure they excel and their quality of life isn’t diminished. Second to that, adults of all age ranges can be found in therapy. From the high school athlete who wants to improve his vision to the Grandfather who wants to retain functionality of his eyes without further degradation, to traumatic brain injury patients. For whatever particular reason a person comes through the door, there's a spot for everyone and anyone who stands to benefit from therapy, not just children.

There’s No Scientific Research Backing Vision Therapy.

Not surprising but Doctors and therapists alike get this a lot. Scientific research is important in emerging and established fields, treatment options, and medicine in general. When it comes down to vision therapy, this claim is easily falsifiable. For the most common binocular disorder, convergence insufficiency, there is research that shows vision therapy is one of the most effective treatments. The Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT) is a randomized clinical trial that scientifically demonstrated that in-office vision therapy is the most effective treatment method for convergence insufficiency an the study also suggests that it can be an effective treatment for those who are also amblyopic or strabismic. This research alone is enough to disprove the notion that there is no science backed research for vision therapy and its efficacy in treating binocular disorders.

Eye surgery is the only option for treating misaligned eyes.

Sometimes surgery is the only option, but it's the way in which we arrive there that matters. Thinking surgery is the only option from the jump is where this line of thinking goes wrong. Sometimes surgery is the answer but it’s hardly the only answer and is typically the last one as well. Most cases that might prompt someone to seek surgery first could actually, and do, benefit from vision therapy. The effects of therapy can typically do one of two things: eliminate the need for surgery altogether by achieving proper alignment or significantly reducing the misalignment to the point where surgery might not be considered as a treatment option anymore. There’s another downside to just doing surgery without therapy and this might be the most important point. I’ve seen countless patients, mostly strabismic, decline therapy after a vision therapy exam in order to pursue the surgical route. What happens is surgically the muscles surrounding the eyes are shortened, physically moving the eye or eyes into alignment. The problem is that the brain was never paired with the eyes, neurologically, that would hold them there and because the patient doesn’t know how to maintain that posture with mind-eye connection then they drift out of alignment once more. In order for a surgery to have its greatest effect it generally has to sit upon the bedrock of a solid vision therapy routine.

Summary

Often we hear some things about vision therapy and although they seem believable they end up not being true. Misinformation is a slippery slope. It can stop us from getting the help we truly need and truly deserve so let’s dive into a couple of these myths and debunk them so we can shed a little light on the truth and get us on the right path. Patients looking for a functional vision exam visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of functional vision services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles. To schedule a functional vision exam, please call (562) 925-6591.

Learn More

Strabismus Treatment in : Understanding Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Early detection and treatment of strabismus is important to prevent further visual problems and maintain good eye health.

Exotropia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Exotropia is a type of strabismus where one eye turns outward. If you suspect that you may have exotropia, please see our optometrist for a treatment plan.

Understanding Accommodative Insufficiency: What It Is, Symptoms and Impact on Learning and Work

Accommodative insufficiency causes eyestrain and headaches when focusing on nearby objects. Visit our eye doctor for proper treatment.

1 2 3 … 13 Next »

Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.