Vision and Neuroplasticity

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Vision

Vision is a very unique sense which involves many intricate skills that go through a developmental process. As opposed to the senses of taste and hearing which you either have or you don’t, vision consists of many different aspects which can be developed over time. Another difference is that other developmental processes are much more noticeable. For example, a parent will usually notice if a child is having difficulty crawling or walking. On the other hand, if a child is having challenges with certain visual skills, it could be very difficult for a parent to notice until the child starts complaining. Often these visual challenges will only manifest when a child starts grade school and the demand for applying various complex visual skills becomes essential. At that point, the child may start suddenly complaining about certain symptoms that come along with delays in visual development. Until that point, the parents and often the child himself would not be aware of these challenges, but there are more than eighteen necessary visual skills that are essential for a classroom setting and a child may need to still work on developing some of these abilities.

Vision Is Processed In the Brain

In order to understand the development process of vision, it is crucial to understand vision itself. Vision could be thought of as containing a hardware and a software department. The hardware would involve for example, a person who is near-sighted and is prescribed glasses to help her see 20/20 on the eye chart. However, there is a whole other area associated with vision which is less known that includes intricate visual abilities that are represented by the concept of software. It is fascinating to consider that every aspect of our brain involves the visual pathway which means that everything that we do incorporates vision as the dominant sense. There’s a whole skillset incorporated with vision which can be developed with vision therapy to ensure the full picture of optimal eyesight.

Neuroplasticity

The brain has the incredible ability to develop, adapt and learn new things over time. This may seem obvious when it comes to learning new skills, but it’s not necessarily considered when describing vision, even though it most definitely is applicable. This is where thinking of vision as involving software comes into effect. There could be miscommunication between the visual pathways, the eyes and the brain. These pathways and processes could be developed over time using vision therapy to strengthen the “software” aspect of vision.

There’s a misconception that neuroplasticity ends at eight years old which would mean that the brain can only be trained to develop properly until that age and afterwards, it’s too late for the visual system to develop further. This is incorrect because we know that the brain is able to learn new skills and adapt to new challenges past age eight and that applies to the visual pathway as well. Vision therapy can help the brain develop much past age eight in wondrous ways. It enables strengthening of the various skills associated with vision, which means strengthening all aspects that are required to meet visual demands which are essential in our day to day life.

Common Questions

How Is Vision Therapy Related To Neuroplasticity?

In vision therapy, we work with certain visual skills to develop them properly. This involves teaching the patient to be very aware of what their eyes are doing and learning how to control their visual system in an optimal manner. With this awareness they can reprogram their visual system and begin to maximize the various necessary abilities. The goal is that over time, their neurological pathways will operate automatically in this more efficient way without having to think about what their eyes and brain are doing to work together properly.

Are The Effects Of Vision Therapy Long-Lasting?

In the past, once vision therapy was completed, it was rare for the patient to have to come back for further treatment due to regression. In approximately the last five years, it has become more common for patients to return for treatment because the effects of vision therapy have diminished. In these cases, it is important to note that the patients come back with a much milder case compared to how they were prior to vision therapy. It is believed that this regression is a result of how digital our world has become and is increasingly becoming. There is a much higher demand now for our eyes to overexert themselves to accommodate constant functions and tasks very close up. Our eyes require a break from focusing on nearby targets, but today’s digital world does not allow for that sufficiently. We find ourselves taking a break from working on our laptop by watching videos on a tablet. Both of these involve near vision and we must be conscious to give our eyes a break from focusing so close up. If a patient comes back for vision therapy, we incorporate this concept of allowing our eyes to relax in addition to strengthening the neurological pathways. Summary Vision involves so much more than what meets the eye. It is a very complex sense that involves a vast skill set which goes through a developmental process. Due to the phenomenon of neuroplasticity, the neurological pathways associated with vision can constantly be developed and strengthened. Contact Us To Amplify Your EyeCare BOOK AN APPOINTMENT I'M READY Amplify EyeCare Lakewood Logo Working Hours Monday, Tuesday & Friday 8:00am - 12:30pm 1:30pm - 5:00pm Wednesday 8:00am - 12:30pm 1:30pm - 6:00pm Thursday 9:00am - 12:30pm 1:30pm - 6:00pm Saturday-Sunday Closed Location 1861 Wadsworth Blvd Lakewood, CO 80214 Phone (303) 237-5401 Website Accessibility Policy Safety Protocols Page

Summary

Vision involves so much more than what meets the eye. It is a very complex sense that involves a vast skill set which goes through a developmental process. Due to the phenomenon of neuroplasticity, the neurological pathways associated with vision can constantly be developed and strengthened.

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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.