Vision Therapy
Description: The use of eyeglasses or eye exercises to improve “depth perception”, “visual attention”, or learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Vision therapy is different from the use of corrective lenses and eye exercise prescribed for strabismus (crossing or wandering eyes) or near or farsightedness.
Examples: Irlen lenses, Eye Exercises to enhance visual attention, Rapid Eye Therapy, Iridology, Ambient lenses, or Yoked Prisms, eyeglasses that are prescribed to improve &lquot;visual attention&rquot;
Research Summary: One uncontrolled study suggested that vision therapy might be effective (Kaplan, Edelson, & Seip, 1998). However, this intervention has not been evaluated for individuals with autism spectrum disorders in studies with strong experimental designs (Rawstron, Burley, & Eldeer, 2005). According to a joint statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and American Academy of Ophthalmology (1998), &lquot;No scientific evidence exists for the efficacy of eye exercises ("vision therapy") or the use of special tinted lenses in the remediation of . . . complex pediatric neurological conditions&rquot; such as autism spectrum disorders.
Recommendations: Researchers may wish to conduct studies with strong scientific designs to evaluate Vision Therapy. Professionals should present Vision Therapy as untested and encourage families who are considering this intervention to evaluate it carefully.
Selected References:
Selected scientific study:
- (1998). Behavioral changes in autistic individuals as a result of wearing ambient transitional prism lenses. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 29, 65-76.
Systematic reviews of scientific studies:
- (2005). A systematic review of the applicability and efficacy of eye exercises. Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, 42, 82-88.
Position statements from professional organizations:
- (1998). Policy Statement: Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Vision [American Academy of Ophthalmology website]. Accessed March 30, 2006.
Biomedical Interventions:
In alphabetical order:
