August 13, 2024

The Link Between Neuroplasticity And Optometric Care

Scientists once believed that human brains are merely a large bundle of nerves that do not change or develop past childhood. They believed that brain function could not significantly improve once a child turned 8…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

neuroplasticity

Scientists once believed that human brains are merely a large bundle of nerves that do not change or develop past childhood. They believed that brain function could not significantly improve once a child turned 8 or 9 years old.

Today, we have a much greater understanding of the brain’s ability to learn and adapt to new situations. Not only is the brain capable of constant maturation, it actually undergoes multiple changes throughout one’s lifetime. In fact, every time you learn something new, your brain is transformed. This phenomenon is called neuroplasticity.

The field of optometry is at the forefront of this scientific exploration and uses the neuroplasticity principle to improve the quality of life of people with various visual dysfunctions. This field of eye care is known as neuro-optometry.

What is Neuroplasticity?

In simple terms, neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to mature by enhancing the neural pathways.

Think of the brain as a city with billions of roads and highways. Whenever we think, feel, or perform any action, the brain sends electrical impulses down the appropriate road. The more we perform a certain action or think a certain way, the more we ‘pave’ that neurological pathway and become accustomed to that behaviour.

When we change our behaviour or think about something in a new way, our brain sends electrical impulses down a new, unfamiliar pathway. As one would expect, this can be challenging in the beginning since an unpaved road is more challenging to travel on. Yet the more we practice and develop this new behaviour, the easier it gets, until it becomes second nature.

The ability to change one’s established habits or emotional responses is neuroplasticity in action. Choosing new behaviours not only strengthens those pathways, but causes other pathways to weaken since they are being used less frequently.

How Does Neuroplasticity Relate to Optometric Rehabilitation?

Neuroplasticity is the basis of vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy. The ability to rewire and retrain the brain, and build new neural pathways, is what makes optometric rehabilitation possible.

By developing and strengthening new pathways in the brain, neuro-optometrists can significantly improve your vision, especially for ocular conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eye), and binocular vision dysfunction (eye misalignment).

The goal of neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy is to improve and fortify the neural connections between the brain and the eyes, stimulating the nerves responsible for the performance of visual skills, such as eye-tracking, focusing, convergence, and stereopsis.

Neuro-optometry has assisted patients who suffered the effects of a concussion or head injury from trauma, car accidents, strokes, or falls. These patients, whose visual skills have been damaged, can benefit from specific visual exercises, specialized prism glasses, or other therapeutic tools that utilize neuroplasticity.

If you or a loved one suffers from the after-effects of a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or head injury, or another type of visual dysfunction, call Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy to schedule your functional visual evaluation.

Our practice serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounding communities.

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
5.0
Out of 265 Reviews
Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Phone
(250) 591-0270
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday:
    11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Friday:
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    Closed
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
4.9
Out of 59 Reviews

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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.