Can an optometrist in Edmonton provide vision therapy?
Yes, an optometrist in Edmonton can provide vision therapy. Vision therapy is a form of treatment that aims to improve visual function and alleviate symptoms of certain visual disorders. It can include a variety of techniques such as eye exercises, visual perceptual training, and the use of special lenses and prisms. Vision therapy can be used to treat a range of conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and binocular vision disorders. An optometrist can assess if vision therapy is appropriate for you and design a specific therapy program tailored to your needs.
Vision therapy is designed to improve and enhance visual skills
Vision therapy, also known as vision training or orthoptic therapy, is a specialized program of exercises and activities designed to improve and enhance visual skills and abilities. It is a non-surgical, customized treatment approach conducted under the supervision of a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Vision therapy is primarily aimed at addressing vision problems that cannot be adequately corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. It targets specific visual deficiencies and aims to improve eye coordination, eye movement control, focusing abilities, visual processing skills, and visual perception.
The therapy sessions typically involve a series of visual exercises and activities that are tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient. These exercises may include:
- Eye movement exercises: Activities that involve tracking and following objects with the eyes to improve eye movement control, smoothness, and accuracy.
- Focusing exercises: Activities that help improve the eyes’ ability to focus on near and far objects, switch focus efficiently, and maintain clear vision.
- Binocular vision exercises: Tasks that promote the coordination and alignment of the two eyes, improving depth perception and 3D vision.
- Visual perception activities: Exercises that enhance visual processing skills, such as visual memory, visual discrimination, and visual spatial awareness.
Hand-eye coordination exercises: Activities that integrate visual skills with manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
The duration and frequency of vision therapy sessions depend on the individual’s specific visual needs and progress. Typically, therapy may involve regular sessions over a period of several weeks or months. In addition to in-office sessions, patients may be assigned home-based exercises to reinforce the progress made during therapy.
Vision therapy can be beneficial for various vision conditions and visual dysfunctions, including:
- Strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes)
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Accommodative disorders (problems with focusing)
- Convergence insufficiency (difficulty maintaining eye alignment for near tasks)
- Oculomotor dysfunction (eye movement problems)
- Visual processing disorders
It’s important to note that vision therapy should always be conducted under the guidance and supervision of a trained eye care professional. They will assess the individual’s visual needs, provide a personalized treatment plan, and monitor progress throughout the therapy process.
Related FAQs
The primary symptom of myopia is difficulty seeing objects at a distance, such as road signs or chalkboards. Other symptoms may include eyestrain, headaches, squinting, and needing to sit closer to screens or books to see clearly.
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is an eye condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close objects can be seen clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea’s curvature is too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
The corneal curve is measured using a technique called corneal topography. This non-invasive procedure creates a detailed map of the corneal surface, showing its curvature and any irregularities. During the test, you may be asked to focus on a target, and a specialized instrument captures images of the cornea’s shape. The data obtained from corneal topography aids in assessing tear film stability, identifying areas of potential dryness, and assisting in the diagnosis and management of dry eye.
Yes, the corneal curve can provide insights into the severity of dry eye. An uneven corneal surface can disrupt the tear film, leading to dryness and discomfort. Specialized tests, such as corneal topography, evaluate the curvature of the cornea and its impact on tear distribution. Changes in the corneal curve, along with other clinical assessments, help eye care professionals determine the severity of dry eye and tailor appropriate treatment strategies.
The curve on the front of the eye, known as the cornea, plays a crucial role in dry eye detection. Changes in the corneal surface can affect tear distribution and stability, leading to dry eye symptoms. Optometrists and ophthalmologists use advanced imaging techniques to analyze the corneal curvature and its changes over time. This helps detect dry eye by identifying irregularities that can contribute to tear film instability and ocular discomfort.
The MYAH is a versatile tool that does many things. It measures the length of your eye, checks the shape of your cornea, looks at how your pupil responds to light, and analyzes how light behaves on the front surface of your eye. It can image the meibomian gland structure and tear film height. It’s also helpful for finding the right kind of contact lenses. The MYAH helps keep track of how your eye changes over time, measures your eye’s focusing power, and shows any differences in the shape of your cornea between visits. It can also show how light might be causing some blurriness. So, it’s like a really useful tool for understanding your eye health and helping you get the best lenses if you need them.
West Edmonton Vision Clinic
Visit our vision clinic in central West Edmonton for comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, glasses, and more. LL Eyecare Centre is dedicated to providing the highest quality optometric services and products to our patients. Our team of experienced optometrists is here to help you with all of your eye care needs. Schedule an appointment today!
Clinic Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 9:00-5:00
Wednesday 9:00-5:00
Thursday 9:00-5:00
Friday 9:00-5:00
Saturday 9:00-2:00
Closed Sunday / Holidays