Binocular Vision Disorders: Vision Therapy in Jasper and Evansville

Our eyes are designed to work together as a “team” to read, do schoolwork, use a computer, drive a car and perform lots of tasks related to everyday living. This ability is referred to as binocular vision. But sometimes, a problem develops that prevents the eyes from working together. These problems are called binocular vision disorders, and they usually appear during childhood.

Without proper treatment, binocular vision disorders can cause a host of vision problems. In addition to having trouble seeing, patients with binocular vision disorders often experience issues like dizziness, nausea, headaches and problems with coordinated activities like bike riding or running. Many children have problems with reading and concentrating, which can contribute to learning impairment and poor performance in school.

As a developmental optometrist, Dr. Joan Bauernfiend is skilled in binocular vision disorder treatments in Jasper and Evansville using the latest advances in a patient-centered approach called vision therapy.

What is vision therapy?

Vision therapy is a customized treatment program that uses a series of specific activities to help strengthen the communication between the brain and eyes so they can function better as a coordinated pair. Not every optometrist in Jasper & Evansville IN offers vision therapy, so it’s important to make sure the eye doctor you visit is aware this specialty is available in this area.

What kinds of eye problems can vision therapy help treat?

Vision therapy is highly customizable, which means it can be tailored to suit the unique needs of each patient. A developmental optometrist can use vision therapy to treat an array of eye problems, including problems with:

• Eye tracking: Eye tracking refers to the ability of the eyes to move smoothly from one point to another across a space, such as when your eyes move across a page when reading.
• Fusion: Fusion refers to the ability to use both eyes at the same time to complete a task. Sometimes it’s referred to as binocular vision.
• Stereopsis: Stereopsis refers to a person’s ability to use both eyes to perceive depth and space between objects or surfaces.
• Convergence: Convergence describes the ability of the eyes to work together - or converge - when performing close-up activities. People with convergence problems often have double vision or blurry vision.
• Visual motor integration: Visual motor integration refers to how we use our eyes to perform physical “motor” activities, like tying a shoe or catching a ball.

Is vision therapy just for kids?

No. While binocular vision disorders tend to occur most commonly during childhood, vision therapy can be used to treat many eye and vision problems, including eye strain and problems affecting concentration and coordination. As a leading optometrist in Jasper & Evansville IN, Dr. Bauernfiend is skilled in creating vision therapy programs for patients of all ages who are suffering from an array of vision disorders.

Learn More about Binocular Vision Disorder Treatments in Jasper and Evansville

If you suspect your child is having trouble seeing or if they show signs of a learning impairment including difficulty with reading or completing schoolwork, a vision exam and evaluation is the first step in determining if vision therapy can help. To find out more about vision therapy in Jasper and Evansville, call the Vision Development Center at 812-482-1411 and schedule a vision evaluation today.