Vision Therapy for Adults

Getting vision therapy doesn't have to be just for children. Adults can also experience major improvements in their quality of life and vision after getting vision therapy.

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

Many people assume, whether it comes to their eyes or any other health issue, that at a certain age you’re simply stuck with what you have. ``Why go to the doctor if I’ve already learned to live with it?” Or more often, “What can they do for me at this age?”

The reality however is that people of all ages can benefit when it comes to vision therapy. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but your brain’s neuroplasticity disagrees!

Why Should Adults Consider Vision Therapy

There are a number of reasons an adult would do well to consider vision therapy. Whether you are an adult in school or at work, the following challenges are good indications that you should visit with our optometrist trained in vision therapy. To be clear, these problems extend far beyond the eyes, as the inability to see as well can impact your quality of life, relationships with others, job performance, workplace evaluations, and income.

When it’s Time to Explore Vision Therapy

You may think that your tired eyes are just the result of not getting enough sleep. Perhaps your difficulty focusing is the result of having an extra cocktail at dinner. And maybe your itchy, red eyes feel the same way when your allergies attack. Certainly those are all very logical, sometimes likely reasons for these symptoms, but there may be a lot more going on. The following symptoms can be treated by vision therapy, so if you’re experiencing them, you should definitely consider scheduling a functional eye exam with our optometrist.

Headaches, Neck Pain, and Eye Strain

Straining your eyes when you read makes them extra sensitive to light and requires your brain and the structures behind your eyes to work harder than they should. The more you strain, especially if you’re reading reports on your computer all day, you’re more likely to suffer from neck pain, back pain, eye strain, photophobia, and headaches. Additionally, if you use pain medication regularly in order to treat these aches and pains, you may be putting yourself at risk of other serious and irreversible gastrointestinal problems.

Tilting your Head, Neck, or Screen

You may not realize that you’re engaging in these compensatory behaviors, but individuals who suffer from blurry or double vision often counteract their discomfort by adjusting what and how they read. By extension, this can cause further discomfort to your head, back, and eyes.

Losing Your Place When You Read

If it feels like words seem to jump, move, or appear disconnected from one another when you read, you are probably experiencing poor oculomotor function. This is not only extremely frustrating, but it hinders your ability to understand what you read, and to convey it to others properly.

Reading with One Eye Closed

Individuals with double vision who simply cannot get both eyes to (literally) be on the same page, are likely to read by covering or closing one eye in order to bring what they’re reading into focus. You can address any underlying vision conditions that are causing these symptoms and improve your vision, which will make reading less exhausting for you.

What happens in Vision Therapy?

Because vision therapy is tailored to the needs of each adult patient, specific modalities are used as needed. In general however, adult patients benefit from:

Therapy provided by an optometrist trained in vision therapy and a vision therapist who is supervised by that optometrist.

A safe alternative to surgery, unless otherwise indicated.
An evidence-based intervention that works in concert with scientific research and data.

The use of filters, prisms, patches, therapeutic lenses, and 3D activities that augment their vision therapy regimen.

Common Questions

Is my inability to meet deadlines really because of my eyes?

Although a thorough eye exam is needed before giving you a definite answer, it is a very real possibility. Think about it- if you can’t see well and need more time than most to read, understand, and process what you're writing, you will certainly miss target dates and deadlines. Do yourself a favor, schedule a functional vision exam and ask our optometrist about vision therapy.

My kids had vision therapy and the improvements were obvious pretty quickly. Will I improve as quickly?

Children tend to heal, no matter what they’re dealing with, rather quickly. They benefit from being in their developmental prime and enjoy the growth of neural connections that help them process what they see. Adults, simply because they are more physically mature, generally take a little longer to get the benefits of vision therapy. That said, because adults tend to be more motivated and disciplined during therapy, they are indeed able to reap similar benefits.

Take it From Someone Who Knows

About three years ago, we worked with an adult patient who’d suffered a stroke and damage to their occipital lobe. After their baseline vision was determined, eye exercises and programs designed to help this patient with double vision and vertigo were created. They attended weekly appointments and practiced the exercises they’d been prescribed at home and in the office. As a result, they noticed clear improvements in their vision and balance. The improvements continued over the next few months and they were able to get back on their bicycle and skis within the year.

Everyone’s experience is different of course. But knowing that improved vision can lead to a healthier, happier, more productive life is an investment in your present that can lead to a very promising future.

If you would like to schedule a functional vision exam, please call (562) 925-6591. 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.

Learn More

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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.