Role of Optometric Vision Therapy for Surgically Treated Strabismus Patients

Authors

GARRIOTT, REGINA S. OD; HEYMAN, CATHERINE L. OD; ROUSE, MICHAEL W. OD, MSEd, FAAO

Role of Optometric Vision Therapy for Surgically Treated Strabismus Patients

publication date

Abstract/Introduction

Background

Occasionally, co-management involving both optometry and ophthalmology is needed to optimize treatment outcome for the strabismic patient.

Methods

JB, a 47-month-old consecutive esotrope presented to our clinic. Two previous attempts to surgically correct her exotropia had failed and the parents sought another treatment approach. We recommended optometric vision therapy (VT) to improve sensorimotor fusion before any further surgery. After 31 VT sessions (bi-weekly for a time, then weekly), before a third scheduled surgery, sensorimotor fusion was good in the amblyoscope, but unstable with neutralizing prism in free-space. We recommended surgery be postponed, but the family proceeded. Esotropia recurred with constant suppression. After additional VT, JB developed stable sensorimotor fusion and random dot stereopsis in free-space with neutralizing prism. A fourth surgery was then performed resulting in esophoria at all distances with good sensory fusion.

Conclusion/Results

Results

Twenty-one months postoperatively, JB remains nonstrabismic with good sensory fusion.

Conclusions

Clinicians should understand the roles and limitations of available treatment options. Surgery reduces the magnitude of the deviation, whereas optometric VT provides the unique role of establishing normal sensory processing.

Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!

Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!

Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!