In children, a "lazy eye" or amblyopia is an eye where the vision
cannot be fully correctible by the use of lenses. It needs additional
stimulation through eye exercises, which may improve the vision. A
"turned eye" or strabismus sometimes needs to be surgically
corrected, and sometimes can be helped by specific eye exercises
which re-educate the visual system. Visual biofeedback is used to
teach the visual system to re-align itself.
In children and adults, more subtle eye muscle misalignments or
focusing problems can cause visual discomfort, eye strain, loss of
comprehension or concentration when reading, and loss of place. These
problems can often be helped through eye exercises, which build up
reserve ability and help in situations of stress or fatigue.
Vision therapy is also helpful for individuals who have visual deficits
as a result of a stroke, head injury or other brain trauma. Most visual
rehabilitation programs are coordinated with the rehab team (occupational,
physical and speech therapy).
Eye exercises are usually done as a home program, with weekly or
every other weekly visits with the eye doctor. Improvement is
frequently noticed in about 6 weeks, and a typical program may last
4-6 months.
