{"id":8666,"date":"2020-10-20T17:51:38","date_gmt":"2020-10-20T17:51:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=8666"},"modified":"2021-08-10T11:46:12","modified_gmt":"2021-08-10T11:46:12","slug":"8-vision-therapy-myths-and-facts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/vision-therapy\/guide-to-vision-therapy\/vision-therapy-faqs\/8-vision-therapy-myths-and-facts\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Vision Therapy Myths and Facts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vision therapy is a specialized program prescribed for the treatment of vision conditions that cannot be fully treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses.\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, there are a number of misconceptions that dissuade patients from trying a vision therapy<\/a> program and getting the help they need.<\/p>\n

This article will help try to dispel many of the common myths you may have heard about vision therapy.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

MYTH #1: There is no research on the efficacy of vision therapy.<\/b><\/h2>\n

FACT:<\/b> There are numerous research studies funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) that prove the efficacy of vision therapy.<\/b><\/p>\n

According to studies<\/a>, office-based vision therapy with home-based reinforcement is the most effective treatment for convergence insufficiency.<\/p>\n

Additionally, many research studies show the efficacy of vision therapy for lazy eye<\/a>, strabismus<\/a>, and reading and learning difficulties<\/a>.<\/p>\n

MYTH #2: Vision therapy is only for kids, not adults.<\/b><\/h2>\n

FACT: Vision therapy can be effective for people of all ages.<\/b><\/p>\n

While children have been shown to respond well to vision therapy, adults can benefit from this specialized treatment program as well. The efficacy of the program is dependent on the type of vision condition, not the age of the patient.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, many patients mistakenly believe that they are too old to correct their vision condition, and they have missed their opportunity. However, it is important to understand that neuroplasticity enables the brain to remain dynamic and flexible throughout your life\u2014 proving that vision therapy can be just as effective for adults<\/a> as it is for children.<\/p>\n

Moreover, many adults have even shown faster improvements when compared to children, as a result of their motivation to succeed.<\/p>\n

MYTH #3: Vision therapy is expensive and unaffordable.<\/b><\/h2>\n

FACT:<\/b> The cost of vision therapy is similar to many other optometric services.<\/b><\/p>\n

Additionally, some health insurance plans include partial coverage for vision therapy, leaving you with just the co-pay.<\/p>\n

If your insurance does not provide any coverage, then many eye doctors will work out a payment plan with their patients to help make the treatment program as affordable as possible.<\/p>\n

It is also important to keep in mind that the benefits of vision therapy typically outweigh the expense of the program, since the satisfaction you will experience will last a lifetime.<\/p>\n

MYTH #4: Vision therapy is not necessary because glasses can correct all vision problems.<\/b><\/h2>\n

FACT:<\/b> While eyeglasses<\/a> and contact lenses<\/a> can correct blurry vision, corrective lenses cannot treat vision problems unrelated to a refractive error.<\/b><\/p>\n

Additionally, for some vision conditions, corrective lenses combined with a vision therapy program is an even more effective solution than just eyeglasses alone.<\/p>\n

Eyeglasses and contact lenses offer improved clarity of vision, but vision therapy actually treats the underlying problem by retraining the visual skills<\/a> needed for clear and comfortable vision.<\/p>\n

In addition, vision therapy can treat problems that glasses cannot, such as eye tracking, eye teaming and visual perceptual problems. With vision therapy, the eyes and brain learn to communicate better\u2014 facilitating a permanent change in your vision.<\/p>\n

If you feel your child could benefit with vision therapy, contact an eye doctor near you. It might just be the solution you have been looking for.<\/strong><\/p>\n

SEE RELATED: Guide to Vision Therapy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t

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