Page 140 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition July-August 2024

FROM BLURRY TO

BRILLIANT:

THE IMPACT OF VISION

THERAPY ON EYE HEALTH

ision therapy is a highly individualised and supervised
treatment program designed to correct or improve specific
Vdysfunctions of the visual system. Unlike spectacles or
contact lenses that compensate for vision problems, or surgery
that alters the anatomy of the eye or surrounding muscles,
vision therapy aims to "teach" the visual system to correct itself.
It involves a series of exercises and activities that are performed
under the guidance of an optometrist or vision therapist.

Vision therapy has been evolving since the early 20th century.
Initially focused on treating squint and amblyopia (lazy eye), it
now addresses a wide range of visual disorders. Advances in
neuroscience and technology have significantly contributed to
the development of modern vision therapy techniques.

HOW VISION THERAPY WORKS?
Vision therapy is based on the principle of neuroplasticity SANJAY K MISHRA
̶ the brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural
connections. Through specific visual tasks, patients can retrain THIS ARTICLE WAS JOINTLY
their brains to process visual information more effectively. This COMPILED BY
approach involves repetitive, targeted activities that challenge the SANJAY K. MISHRA,
visual system and promote improved coordination and efficiency. Scientist, Dr. R. P. Centre for

COMPONENTS OF VISION THERAPY Ophthalmic Sciences, All India
Institute of Medical Sciences
(AIIMS), New Delhi
1. Eye Tracking Exercises: Improve the ability to
smoothly and accurately move the eyes across a line of text, SURESH K. YADAV, Scientist,
crucial for reading. Dr R P Centre for Ophthalmic
Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi
2. Focusing Exercises: Enhance the ability to maintain clear
vision at different distances. These exercises train the RAJESH KUMAR, Senior
Optometrist, PGIMS, University of
eyes to quickly and accurately change focus between near and Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana
far objects.
SHEEBA QUMAR
3. Eye Teaming Exercises: Improve binocular vision, ensuring Senior Optometrist, Indira Gandhi
that both eyes work together effectively, essential for depth Eye Hospital and Research Centre
perception and avoiding double vision.

136 | THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | JULY-AUGUST 2024 OPTOMETRY