Functional vision therapy is a highly complex, developmental therapy that can be of great help to patients who have difficulties with visual processes in everyday life. In all cases, visual vision therapy is preceded by a functional eye examination, the results of which are used to tailor the appropriate treatment. These then replace the dysfunctional neurological connections and restore the cooperation between the brain and the eye.
Vision therapy provides solutions to vision problems caused by neurological disorders. Depending on the results previously assessed and tested, it provides a complex treatment taking into account the abnormalities and symptoms. In addition to functional vision problems, it can also be used to treat a number of other symptoms linked to the problem. Whether it is a nervous or sensory disorder, or a deficiency, the aim is to achieve a harmonised functioning. Otherwise, untreated abnormalities are associated with wear and tear on the nervous system, or its continued overload, which would cause difficulties in both childhood and adulthood. With a well-coordinated therapy, learning and reading difficulties can be overcome, as well as other neurological or motor deficits.
In addition to neuro-optometric tests such as convergence skills, fixation, binocular vision, etc., assessments such as spinal, neck and hip correlations and motor movement are also performed. Following a complex functional eye examination, appropriate spectacles are prescribed and individualised vision therapy is administered. The neuro-optometric specialist will design a therapy consisting of specific tasks that will best help the patient in the particular case. These can be learnt in a controlled environment with guided practice, and in most cases daily practice at home is also important. In all cases, it is necessary to have periodic check-ups to evaluate and assess progress.
Many complaints can occur for which we would not even think that functional vision therapy could be the solution. In addition to the difficulties mentioned above, behavioral disorders may appear, either due to aggressive behavior or excessive withdrawal. In addition, frequent and severe headaches, fatigue, strong sensitivity to light, but also the feeling of sickness accompanying a car trip can also be a warning sign. In addition to reading and counting difficulties, concentration problems, double vision, or blurred vision can also be a cause for concern. Uncertain spatial and distance perception, frequent falls or coordination disorders can also be symptoms that vision therapy can remedy.
I deal with a lot of people who have suffered some kind of brain injury. It could be surgical, traumatic brain injury, brain tumour, or even stroke. My vocation is to make their lives better and easier through neuro-optometric rehabilitation or visual therapy.
A CFF test to check the conduction of the optic nerve can detect several problems. These include optic nerve damage, which in most cases is caused by glaucoma.
A fundus examination is part of every eye examination. It is used to assess the condition of not only the eyeball, but all its protective organs – the eye muscles, the eye socket and the eyelid.
OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography – allows us to screen the nerve membrane of the eye, as well as the optic nerve and macula, and their diseases.
The pachymetry, i.e. the measurement of the thickness of the cornea, is always quick and completely painless, and is essential in the case of glaucoma. It can provide essential information for the ophthalmologist.
In some cases, a more complex vision test than the traditional tests is needed, this is the functional eye test. Comprehensive mapping, which can even be referred to as a special education examination, highlights the links between learning disabilities and vision