Vision Therapy for Adults

Getting vision therapy doesn't have to be just for children. Adults can also experience major improvements in their quality of life and vision after getting vision therapy.

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Many people assume, whether it comes to their eyes or any other health issue, that at a certain age you’re simply stuck with what you have. ``Why go to the doctor if I’ve already learned to live with it?” Or more often, “What can they do for me at this age?”

The reality however is that people of all ages can benefit when it comes to vision therapy. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but your brain’s neuroplasticity disagrees!

Why Should Adults Consider Vision Therapy

There are a number of reasons an adult would do well to consider vision therapy. Whether you are an adult in school or at work, the following challenges are good indications that you should visit with our optometrist trained in vision therapy. To be clear, these problems extend far beyond the eyes, as the inability to see as well can impact your quality of life, relationships with others, job performance, workplace evaluations, and income.

When it’s Time to Explore Vision Therapy

You may think that your tired eyes are just the result of not getting enough sleep. Perhaps your difficulty focusing is the result of having an extra cocktail at dinner. And maybe your itchy, red eyes feel the same way when your allergies attack. Certainly those are all very logical, sometimes likely reasons for these symptoms, but there may be a lot more going on. The following symptoms can be treated by vision therapy, so if you’re experiencing them, you should definitely consider scheduling a functional eye exam with our optometrist.

Headaches, Neck Pain, and Eye Strain

Straining your eyes when you read makes them extra sensitive to light and requires your brain and the structures behind your eyes to work harder than they should. The more you strain, especially if you’re reading reports on your computer all day, you’re more likely to suffer from neck pain, back pain, eye strain, photophobia, and headaches. Additionally, if you use pain medication regularly in order to treat these aches and pains, you may be putting yourself at risk of other serious and irreversible gastrointestinal problems.

Tilting your Head, Neck, or Screen

You may not realize that you’re engaging in these compensatory behaviors, but individuals who suffer from blurry or double vision often counteract their discomfort by adjusting what and how they read. By extension, this can cause further discomfort to your head, back, and eyes.

Losing Your Place When You Read

If it feels like words seem to jump, move, or appear disconnected from one another when you read, you are probably experiencing poor oculomotor function. This is not only extremely frustrating, but it hinders your ability to understand what you read, and to convey it to others properly.

Reading with One Eye Closed

Individuals with double vision who simply cannot get both eyes to (literally) be on the same page, are likely to read by covering or closing one eye in order to bring what they’re reading into focus. You can address any underlying vision conditions that are causing these symptoms and improve your vision, which will make reading less exhausting for you.

What happens in Vision Therapy?

Because vision therapy is tailored to the needs of each adult patient, specific modalities are used as needed. In general however, adult patients benefit from:

Therapy provided by an optometrist trained in vision therapy and a vision therapist who is supervised by that optometrist.

A safe alternative to surgery, unless otherwise indicated.
An evidence-based intervention that works in concert with scientific research and data.

The use of filters, prisms, patches, therapeutic lenses, and 3D activities that augment their vision therapy regimen.

Common Questions

Is my inability to meet deadlines really because of my eyes?

Although a thorough eye exam is needed before giving you a definite answer, it is a very real possibility. Think about it- if you can’t see well and need more time than most to read, understand, and process what you're writing, you will certainly miss target dates and deadlines. Do yourself a favor, schedule a functional vision exam and ask our optometrist about vision therapy.

My kids had vision therapy and the improvements were obvious pretty quickly. Will I improve as quickly?

Children tend to heal, no matter what they’re dealing with, rather quickly. They benefit from being in their developmental prime and enjoy the growth of neural connections that help them process what they see. Adults, simply because they are more physically mature, generally take a little longer to get the benefits of vision therapy. That said, because adults tend to be more motivated and disciplined during therapy, they are indeed able to reap similar benefits.

Take it From Someone Who Knows

About three years ago, we worked with an adult patient who’d suffered a stroke and damage to their occipital lobe. After their baseline vision was determined, eye exercises and programs designed to help this patient with double vision and vertigo were created. They attended weekly appointments and practiced the exercises they’d been prescribed at home and in the office. As a result, they noticed clear improvements in their vision and balance. The improvements continued over the next few months and they were able to get back on their bicycle and skis within the year.

Everyone’s experience is different of course. But knowing that improved vision can lead to a healthier, happier, more productive life is an investment in your present that can lead to a very promising future.

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Testimonials

Such a nice optician. My grandson is only 4 and needs glasses. We were so sad, but he explained the issues, and we will follow up as he suggested.

Anna P.
I had such a good experience with the clinic. Very friendly staff and doctor, did not have to wait for long to be called, and was treated respectfully. Thanks, American Family.

June S.
Dr. Zurcher has gone above and beyond what any other eye doctor has ever done to figure out what is going on with my eyes. Very happy with American Family Vision.

Christine R.
Family Vision Clinic changed our lives! My daughter was frequently car sick, and she was getting headaches every day, often painful enough that they brought her to tears. We saw a string of doctors and therapists, but we made no progress. Finally, we found Dr. Levi Zurcher and his eye therapist Rain. After ten weeks of eye therapy my daughter no longer gets headaches, and she no longer gets car sick. Daily tears are a thing of the past. I really can’t say enough about this clinic. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Zurcher work. For the first time, someone who knew what they were doing was intently studying my daughter, really trying to figure out all of her eye issues, and his therapist Rain is one of the most patient and lovely people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. We’re finished with eye therapy—yay!—and I have switched to American Family Vision Clinic for all of my family’s other eye health needs.

Lars Wulff
Very professional, yet kind and helpful. They do what they can to make the appointment comfortable. I was running a bit late, I made sure ti call. They were able to switch me with a patient who was already there, they treated me with respect, and helped my son have confidence by getting him the eye care he needed that day. Thank you so much! Would recommend to anyone. It's a blessing that they care enough to work with people who have all different types of insurance from work to state coverage.

Justin E.