Brain Fog and Concussion are Often Caused by Vision Deficiencies Damaged in the Concussion 28 Nov 2024, 11:06 am

Brain Fog and Beyond: Vision Problems and Post-Concussion

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

Brain fog, a term used to describe a feeling of mental haziness or confusion, is a common symptom after a brain injury. While many people associate brain fog with cognitive impairments, it can also be linked to underlying visual processing issues.

The Connection Vision Problems and Post-Concussion

Two of the most common visual processing disorders that can contribute to brain fog is convergence insufficiency and divergence insufficiency. These condition occurs when the eyes struggle to work together properly, particularly when focusing on objects up close. When the brain has to work harder to coordinate eye movements and process visual information, it can lead to cognitive fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

The Impact of Convergence Insufficiency and Divergence Insufficiency

Convergence insufficiency can make tasks like reading, writing, and using a computer more challenging and mentally draining. Divergence Insufficiency will increase the amount of energy you have to use to process your distance space, or anything roughly beyond your finger tips. These deficiencies cause your visual processing system to work inefficiency, use extra energy, and rob your higher order skills (problem solving, memory, listening comprehensively, conversing with others, and more) to suffer.

This can contribute to feelings of brain fog, difficulty focusing, and impaired memory.

Beyond Brain Fog and Concussion: Other Cognitive Challenges

In addition to brain fog, visual processing issues can lead to a range of other cognitive challenges, including:

• Difficulty processing information

• Slowed thinking

• Poor decision-making

• Reduced problem-solving skills

The Importance of Addressing Visual Processing Issues

If you're experiencing brain fog or other cognitive difficulties after a brain injury, it's important to consider the possibility of underlying visual processing issues. These problems can be addressed through specialized vision therapy, which can help improve eye coordination and visual function.

Seeking Help for Visual Processing Disorders

If you suspect you may have a visual processing disorder, it's essential to consult with a qualified neuro-optometrist. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify any underlying issues and recommend appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Brain fog and other cognitive challenges after a brain injury can significantly impact a person's quality of life. By understanding the role of visual processing issues and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can improve their cognitive function and regain their sense of clarity.

Keywords: brain fog, brain injury, visual processing disorders, convergence insufficiency, cognitive function, vision therapy, neuro-optometrist, post-concussion syndrome, cognitive challenges

How to Treat Light Sensitivity and Understanding Post-Concussion Vision Problems 18 Nov 2024, 7:35 pm

Seeing the Light: Understanding Post-Concussion How to Treat Light Sensitivity

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

Concussions can cause a wide range of symptoms, from headaches and dizziness to cognitive difficulties. One less-discussed symptom is light sensitivity, which can significantly impact a person's daily life. While often overlooked, light sensitivity after a concussion is often linked to underlying visual processing issues. When I served on a rotation at the VA Hospital in Long Beach California, I was privileged and honored to treat military men and service women who had heartbreakingly suffered various degrees of brain injuries. Undoubtedly, the most common symptom that they had was light sensitivity and as they longed to get back to their military service or take on a career as a civilian, working on a screen now created a seemingly impossible hurdle for them to overcome.

The Connection Between Concussions and How to Treat Light Sensitivity

Binocular vision dysfunction, a condition that affects how the eyes work together, is a common consequence of concussions. When the brain struggles to process visual information, it can lead to difficulties with filtering light. This can result in heightened sensitivity to light, making everyday activities uncomfortable and even painful.

Common Binocular Vision Dysfunctions

Several binocular vision dysfunctions can contribute to light sensitivity:

• Convergence Insufficiency: Difficulty turning the eyes inward to focus on objects closer to you.

• Divergence Insufficiency: Difficulty turning the eyes outward to focus on objects farther away.

• Accommodative Spasms: Involuntary spasms of the ciliary body eye muscle that is inside of the eye that can affect focus.

The Impact of Light Sensitivity

Light sensitivity can have a significant impact on quality of life. It can make activities like driving, working at a computer, and spending time outdoors difficult or even impossible. In severe cases, light sensitivity can lead to headaches, migraines, and even nausea.

Seeking Treatment and How to Treat Light Sensitivity

If you're experiencing light sensitivity after a concussion, it's important to seek professional help. A qualified eye care professional can assess your visual system and identify any underlying binocular vision dysfunctions.

Treatment for light sensitivity often involves:

• Vision Therapy: Specialized exercises to improve eye coordination and visual processing.

• Sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses can help reduce glare and discomfort.

• Adjusting Lighting: Modifying the lighting in your environment can make it more tolerable.

Conclusion

Light sensitivity after a concussion is a common symptom that can be significantly improved with appropriate treatment. By understanding the connection between binocular vision dysfunction and light sensitivity, individuals can take steps to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Keywords: light sensitivity, concussion, binocular vision dysfunction, visual processing, vision therapy, eye health, headaches, migraines, sunglasses, lighting adjustments

Vision Therapy for Reading Problems 9 Nov 2024, 10:44 am

Seeing the Bigger Picture: Vision Therapy for Reading Problems

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Reading is a fundamental skill that opens doors to education, personal growth, and countless opportunities. Yet, many children and adults struggle with reading, despite their best efforts. Often, the root of these challenges lies not in a lack of intelligence or motivation, but in underlying visual processing deficiencies that are not evaluated by pediatricians, reading specialists, and tutors.

The Complexity of Reading

Reading is a multifaceted task that involves a complex interplay of cognitive, linguistic, and visual skills. While we often focus on decoding letters and understanding words, the visual component plays the primary role and the majority of the actually learned skills required for reading.

The 13 Visual Skills of Reading

To read effectively, individuals need to master 13 essential visual skills, including:

• Eye Tracking: The ability to smoothly follow moving text.

• Convergence: The ability to move both eyes inward to focus on a single point.

• Accommodation: The ability to adjust the lens of the eye to focus on objects at different distances.

• Stereopsis: The ability to perceive depth and distance.

• Visual Perception: The ability to interpret and understand visual information.

• Visual Memory: The ability to remember and recall visual images.

• Visual Discrimination: The ability to distinguish between similar-looking letters and symbols.

• Visual Closure: The ability to fill in missing parts of a visual image.

• Visual Sequencing: The ability to understand the order and relationship between visual elements.

• Visual Spatial Skills: The ability to perceive and manipulate visual information in space.

• Visual Motor Integration: The ability to coordinate eye movements with hand movements.

• Visual Attention: The ability to focus and concentrate on visual information.

• Visual Processing Speed: The ability to process visual information quickly and efficiently.

When Vision Goes Wrong: The Impact on Reading

When one or more of these visual skills are impaired, it can significantly impact a person's ability to read. Common visual problems that can hinder reading include:

• Double Vision: When the eyes don't work together properly, it can create a sense of seeing double.

  
  

• Blurred Vision: Difficulty focusing can make it hard to see letters clearly.

• Eye Tracking Issues: If the eyes struggle to follow text smoothly, it can disrupt reading fluency.

• Convergence Problems: Difficulty turning the eyes inward can make it challenging to read closely.

• Accommodation Difficulties: If the eyes struggle to adjust focus between near and far objects, it can affect reading comfort and clarity.

  
  

A Holistic Approach to Reading Success - Vision Therapy for Reading Problems

If you or your child are struggling with reading, it's essential to consider the potential role of visual processing issues. While traditional reading therapies can be helpful, addressing underlying visual problems is often crucial for long-term success.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Consult with an Eye Care Professional: Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to assess your visual skills.

• Consider Visual Therapy: If visual problems are identified, a qualified optometrist or vision therapist can provide targeted exercises and training.

• Seek Educational Support: Work with a reading specialist or tutor to address any reading difficulties.

• Create a Supportive Environment: Ensure adequate lighting, comfortable seating, and a distraction-free space for reading.

Conclusion

Reading is a complex skill that requires a harmonious interplay of visual functions and is one of the most challenging visual tasks that you can attempt. By understanding the role of vision in reading and addressing any underlying visual issues, you can significantly improve your reading abilities when you utilize Vision Therapy for Reading Problems.

Keywords: reading, visual skills, eye health, visual processing disorders, reading difficulties, eye exams, visual therapy, educational support, reading environment

How to Treat Double Vision: Effective Solutions and Expert Advice 9 Nov 2024, 10:44 am

Identifying and Then Treating the Real Problem

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Double vision, also known as diplopia, can be a disorienting and frustrating experience. If you're seeing two images where only one should be, it’s crucial to understand the underlying cause and how to address it. While double vision can sometimes signal a serious health issue, in many cases, it is treatable with the right approach. So, how do you treat double vision? Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the causes, treatments, and expert advice on managing this condition.

Step 1: Rule Out Life-Threatening Causes

The first step in treating double vision is to ensure that the cause isn't something more serious. Double vision can be a symptom of various conditions, including neurological or muscular disorders, some of which may be life-threatening. If you're experiencing double vision, seeing a primary care doctor and a neurologist is essential to rule out conditions such as brain tumors, strokes, or degenerative diseases.

Once these serious causes are ruled out, you can focus on addressing the more common, non-life-threatening causes of double vision, which are usually related to issues with eye alignment and coordination.

Step 2: Visit a Neuro-Optometrist

Once life-threatening conditions are ruled out, the next step is to consult with a neuro-optometrist or a developmental optometrist. These specialists are trained to diagnose and treat visual problems related to eye teaming, focus, and alignment. Double vision often results from problems where the eyes don’t work together as they should. There are four main causes of this misalignment:

1. Convergence Insufficiency – When the eyes struggle to work together for close-up tasks.

2. Convergence Excess – When the eyes over-converge, causing them to aim too close.

3. Divergence Insufficiency – When the eyes have trouble focusing on distant objects and don't fully diverge and result in aiming too far inward when they should be aiming fully out.

4. Divergence Excess – When the eyes focus too far outward and aim behind an object.

A neuro-optometrist can help identify which of these conditions (or a combination of them) is contributing to your double vision and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.

Step 3: Vision Therapy and Exercises for How to Treat Double Vision

In many cases, vision therapy is the most effective treatment for double vision. Vision therapy is a structured program of eye exercises designed to retrain the brain and eyes to work together correctly. While some exercises can be done at home, others may require in-office visits with a neuro-optometrist.

It’s essential to understand that pencil push-ups and similar exercises often touted as home remedies are not effective for all types of double vision. For example, a 2008 study showed that pencil push-ups were no more effective than placebo treatments for treating convergence insufficiency. Instead, a neuro-optometrist can provide more tailored exercises that are proven to help align the eyes and reduce double vision symptoms.

Step 4: Targeting Specific Causes

The treatment for double vision depends on the specific cause. Here’s a closer look at how each type of eye misalignment is treated:

• Convergence Insufficiency: This condition is common in people who experience eye strain during near tasks, like reading or using digital devices. The most effective treatment is in-office vision therapy. Your optometrist will guide you through exercises designed to strengthen the eye muscles responsible for focusing on close objects. At-home exercises may also help, but they should be prescribed by your optometrist to ensure they’re effective.

• Convergence Excess: In this case, your eyes tend to over-converge when focusing on nearby objects. Reducing excessive near focus can be helpful. Limiting screen time and incorporating rest breaks can reduce strain on the eyes. Your optometrist may also recommend exercises that retrain the eyes to focus at a more appropriate distance.

• Divergence Insufficiency: This occurs when your eyes struggle to focus on distant objects. It’s often linked to excessive near work, such as prolonged screen time or reading. To treat this, horizon gazing is an excellent practice. By taking breaks throughout the day to look at distant objects, like during a walk with your dog or even just gazing out the window, you give your eyes and brain a break from the close-up work, helping to reset eye coordination.

• Divergence Excess: In this case, the eyes may drift too far outward, especially when focusing on faraway objects. Reducing near-screen time and focusing on exercises that promote proper eye alignment can help treat this condition.

Step 5: Visual Ergonomics and Lifestyle Changes

In addition to specialized eye exercises, maintaining good visual ergonomics can help prevent and manage double vision. This includes setting up your workspace with proper lighting, using screens at the right distance, and taking regular breaks to rest your eyes. These small changes can make a significant difference.

Step 6: Patience and Consistency

Treating double vision requires patience and consistent effort. While the right vision therapy exercises can be highly effective, it’s important to remember that improvement takes time. It’s not uncommon for treatment to span several weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the condition and how diligently you follow your optometrist's recommendations.

Conclusion

If you’re struggling with double vision, the key is to identify the cause and treat it appropriately. By working with a neuro-optometrist to diagnose the type of misalignment you have, you can receive the targeted treatment you need to correct your vision. With the right therapy, exercises, and lifestyle changes, double vision is highly treatable, and you can get back to seeing clearly.

Remember, double vision is a symptom, not a condition. By addressing the root cause with the help of a trained professional, you can correct your vision and restore your quality of life. Don't ignore double vision—seek help and take control of your eye health today!

What Causes Poor Handwriting 9 Nov 2024, 10:17 am

More Than Just a Motor Skill: The Role of Vision and What Causes Poor Handwriting

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

Handwriting is a fundamental skill that we learn early in life. While many of us take it for granted, handwriting can be a challenge for some children and adults with binocular vision dysfunction who struggle with the first visual steps of writing something long before the pencil even touches the paper. Often, the root of these difficulties lies not in poor motor skills, but in underlying visual processing issues.

The Eye-Hand Connection

Handwriting involves a complex interplay of motor skills and visual skills. While fine motor skills, such as hand strength and coordination, are essential, vision plays a critical role in guiding the hand and forming letters accurately.

The Visual Skills of Handwriting

Several visual skills are involved in handwriting, including:

• Visual Perception: The ability to interpret and understand visual information.

• Visual Motor Integration: The ability to coordinate eye movements with hand movements.

• Visual Spatial Skills: The ability to perceive and manipulate visual information in space.

• Visual Attention: The ability to focus and concentrate on visual information.

• Visual Processing Speed: The ability to process visual information quickly and efficiently.

The Impact of Visual Processing Disorders

When visual processing skills are impaired, it can lead to handwriting difficulties. Common visual problems that can affect handwriting include:

• Binocular Vision Dysfunction: When the eyes don't work together properly, it can cause problems with depth perception and hand-eye coordination.

• Eye Tracking Issues: Difficulty following moving objects can make it challenging to form letters consistently.

• Visual Perception Problems: Difficulties in interpreting visual information can lead to errors in letter formation and spacing.

• 
  

The Role of Tracing

Tracing is often used as a tool to help children learn to write. While tracing can be beneficial for developing fine motor skills, it's important to remember that it doesn't address underlying visual processing issues. Overreliance on tracing can hinder a child's ability to write independently.

Addressing Handwriting Challenges

If your child is struggling with handwriting, it's essential to consider the potential role of visual processing disorders. Here are some steps you can take:

• Consult with a Specialist: A developmental or neuro-optometrist can assess your child's visual skills and provide targeted recommendations.

• Incorporate Visual Exercises: Specific exercises can help improve visual skills, such as eye tracking and hand-eye coordination.

• Focus on Functional Handwriting: Prioritize handwriting that is legible and efficient, rather than focusing solely on perfect penmanship.

• Provide Adequate Support: Create a supportive environment for learning, with adequate lighting, comfortable seating, and plenty of practice opportunities.

Conclusion

Handwriting is a complex skill that requires a harmonious interplay of motor skills and visual functions. By addressing underlying visual processing issues, you can help your child overcome handwriting challenges and develop the skills they need for success.

Seeking Treatment for What Causes Poor Handwriting

Our practice has a vision therapy clinic in Newport Beach, vision therapy clinic in Los Angeles, vision therapy clinic in San Juan Capistrano, and a vision therapy clinic in Torrance.

Keywords: handwriting, visual skills, visual processing disorders, binocular vision dysfunction, eye tracking, hand-eye coordination, handwriting therapy, educational support, learning disabilities

How Common is Binocular Vision Dysfunction? 9 Nov 2024, 9:56 am

Seeing the World Clearly: The Importance of Addressing Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Binocular vision dysfunction, or BVD, is a common condition that affects how the brain calculates space and guides the eyes to work together. While it may not pose a direct threat to life, it can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life.

The Prevalence of Binocular Vision Dysfunction aka BVD

Binocular Vision Dysfunction is surprisingly common, affecting over 30% of the general population. The rate is even higher among individuals who have suffered brain injuries. Because BVD is not life threatening, deficiencies have easily been passed down as we didn't really need all 20 of these skills to be working so efficiently 100 years ago, let alone 1000 years ago. These conditions are often genetic, meaning they can be passed down through families.

The Impact of BVD on Daily Life

BVD can hinder performance in a wide range of activities, including:

• Reading and writing: Difficulty focusing on text can make reading and writing challenging.

• Computer work: Strain on the eyes and difficulty concentrating can affect productivity.

• Artistic pursuits: BVD can impair visual skills necessary for drawing, painting, and other creative endeavors.

• Sports and hobbies: Activities that require precise visual tracking and depth perception can be difficult.

The Hidden Costs of BVD

The REAL problem is that in today's world, we do need all 20 of these visual processing skills to be operating at their best in order to perform our best in fa more complex tasks. We are now reading, writing, communicating complex issues, and performing math problems that are far more complex than our system has ever had to do on a daily basis.

Beyond the direct impact on daily activities, BVD can also have indirect consequences. Individuals with BVD may experience:

• Reduced productivity: Difficulty focusing and concentrating can lead to decreased productivity at work or school.

• Impaired learning: BVD can make it challenging for students to learn effectively.

• Social isolation: Difficulty participating in activities that require efficient processing of your space such as in busy environments can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Seeking Treatment for BVD

If you suspect you may have BVD, it's important to seek professional help. A qualified eye care professional can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Treatment for BVD may involve:

• Vision therapy: Exercises designed to improve eye coordination and visual function.

• Prism glasses: Corrective lenses that can help TEMPORARILY reduce visual symptoms while you go through therapy to correct the deficiency.

• Lifestyle modifications: Changes to lighting, reducing screen time, and other environmental factors can help alleviate symptoms.

BVD is a common condition that can significantly impact daily life. By understanding the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can improve their visual function and live more fulfilling lives. Don't let BVD hold you back. Take action today and start seeing the world more clearly.

Seeking Treatment for BVD

Our practice has a vision therapy clinic in Newport Beach, vision therapy clinic in Los Angeles, vision therapy clinic in San Juan Capistrano, and a vision therapy clinic in Torrance.

Keywords: binocular vision dysfunction, BVD, eye health, vision problems, vision therapy, eye strain, headaches, dizziness, eye glasses, visual processing, brain injury, learning disabilities

High IQ But Struggling in School 22 Oct 2024, 1:25 am

Unlocking the Potential: How Vision Therapy Can Transform Students with a High IQ But Struggling in School

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

Have you ever encountered a student who seemed incredibly bright yet struggled to achieve their academic potential? It's a frustrating situation for both the student and their parents. Sometimes, the reason for these struggles lies not in a lack of intelligence, but in underlying visual processing issues.

Case Study: A Struggling Genius

Consider the case of a 16-year-old boy who, despite his high IQ, was falling behind in school. Despite his intelligence, he was struggling to focus, read, and comprehend information. His parents were at a loss, trying to understand why such a bright child was having so much difficulty.

When he performed the eye tracking assessment, I'll be honest, I gave him an 8th grade reading passage as he was a bit grumpy that day and I tried to appease him a bit. His results are below and you can see that his eye movements were at an expected range of a 3rd grader.

No wonder he was so grumpy!! He hadn't fully mastered how to move and coordinate his eye movements so it was as if he was trying to read braille with a tremor. He struggled so much maintaining his eye alignment that he couldn't remember what he said read and had to reread part of the passage but still couldn't remember what he read is such a short passage.

As you can see further down, he still struggled in reading comprehension even though he reread part of the paragraph.

Here you can see his numbers compared to 8th-grade eye movements.

His comprehension was 20% and he even slowed down and read 116 words per minute instead of at least 204 words a minute that is expected in 8th grade.

His fixation # is how many times he had to actually stop and to take in data. Each time we stop and fixate, we have to do a "reverse google image" of what we're looking at and decode it. So for every 100 words that his classmates have to read, he has to stop 150 times to try to collect data! That's literally 50% MORE WORK THAN HIS CLASSMATES! And he's so exhausted, that he can't even remember what he read.

NO WONDER he's so grumpy. I do NOT blame him.

His fixation duration is expected. Each time he stopped to take in information he only required 223 ms when

The Hidden Barrier: Visual Processing Issues

After a thorough evaluation, it was discovered that the student had convergence and sufficiency problems. These visual processing issues were hindering his ability to collect and process visual information effectively.

The Impact of Visual Processing Deficiencies When there is a High IQ But Struggling in School

Convergence and sufficiency are essential for tasks like reading, writing, and even understanding visual cues in the classroom. When these skills are impaired, it's like trying to navigate a maze with a blindfold on. No matter how intelligent a student is, it's challenging to learn and understand information when the raw data is difficult to process.

The Solution: Vision Therapy

The student underwent vision therapy, a specialized program designed to improve visual skills. Through a series of exercises and activities, he learned to better control his eye movements and coordinate his binocular vision.

The Remarkable Results

After completing vision therapy, the student's academic performance improved dramatically. His reading speed and comprehension increased significantly, and he was able to focus better on his studies. The once-frustrated student became more engaged and motivated in school.

His Reading Results When He Graduated

Quick personal note about this patient, NO, he was not in therapy for over 8 months. If you look at the date of his first evaluation, he actually had his exam 8 days before my water broke with my second child on ... soooooooooo, he started therapy in Mid-January after I returned to work 3 weeks and 1 day after giving birth.

Having said that, his results were remarkable, and more important to me... he was such a happy teen!!! In his last exam he was sitting sideways in the exam chair pointing at the computer screen at his amazing results. Truth be told, he was really happy long before that though. It's wasn't long after he started therapy that he noticed his results. It didn't take more than just a couple of months for him to realize that he was reading faster, taking less time to study, testing higher, and seeing his grades improve while he literally had to do LESS WORK because the work was now so much more efficient.

The Power of Vision Therapy

This case highlights the importance of addressing visual processing issues in students who are struggling academically. Vision therapy can be a valuable tool for helping these students reach their full potential. If you suspect your child might have a visual processing deficiency, consider consulting with an eye care professional.

Key Takeaways if You have a High IQ But Struggling in School:

• Visual processing issues can significantly impact academic performance.

• Students with high IQs can still struggle in school due to visual difficulties.

• Vision therapy can be an effective treatment for visual processing deficiencies.

• Early intervention can help students overcome these challenges and achieve their full potential.

• And most importantly, there's NO time to wait as struggling in school can often result in children and teens developing a negative relationship with school.

Vision Therapy for Reading

If you or your child or teen are struggling in reading, vision therapy can treat and often cure the Binocular Vision Dysfunction that is the most common cause of slowing them down and hurting reading comprehension.

Our practice has a vision therapy clinic in Newport Beach, San Juan Capistrano, West Los Angeles, and Torrance.

Are you concerned about your child's academic performance? If your child is struggling despite their intelligence, consider exploring the possibility of visual processing issues. Deficiencies in visual processing skills are more common than ADHD and Dyslexia. Vision therapy is the gold standard of treatment and is the key to unlocking their full potential and curing their deficiency.

Are You a "Bad Test Taker"? Binocular Vision Dysfunction Causes Poor Test Taking 21 Oct 2024, 12:57 pm

Are You a "Bad Test Taker"? It Could Be More Than Just That

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you study, you can't seem to perform well on tests? You might label yourself as a "bad test taker," but there could be a deeper underlying issue at play. In this blog post, we'll explore the connection between binocular vision dysfunction and test-taking difficulties... and there are a LOT of connections.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction is the most common cause of making simple mistakes on a test and labeling yourself a bad test taker. BVD is present in over 30% of the population and 90% of the population who has suffered from a concussion and is struggling in post-concussion syndrome.

The Link Between Binocular Vision Dysfunction and Test-Taking

Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) occurs when your eyes don't work together seamlessly. While it may not always cause obvious symptoms like double vision, it can significantly impact your ability to process information and perform tasks that require focus, concentration, and visual acuity.

For students, BVD can manifest as difficulties with:

• Reading comprehension

• Note-taking

• Test-taking

When your eyes are struggling to work together, it can be challenging to process information quickly and accurately, leading to mistakes and lower test scores.

Signs of Binocular Vision Dysfunction

While BVD may not always cause noticeable symptoms, some common signs include:

• Headaches or eyestrain

• Difficulty focusing or concentrating

• Sensitivity to light

• Avoidance of activities that require close vision

• Double vision or blurred vision

The Impact on Academic Performance

If you have BVD, it can significantly affect your academic performance. You may find it difficult to:

• Read and understand complex texts

• Take accurate notes

• Remember information

• Complete assignments on time

• Solving problems neatly on paper or in our head

Getting Help for Binocular Vision Dysfunction

If you suspect you may have BVD, it's important to seek help from a qualified eye care professional. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Treatment for BVD may involve:

• Vision therapy: Exercises to improve eye coordination and neurological visual processing skills

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses: Correct for the miss-shape of the eye if it is not perfectly shaped and focusing light.

  
  

Conclusion

If you've been struggling with test-taking, it's worth considering whether binocular vision dysfunction might be playing a role. By addressing this underlying issue, you can improve your academic performance and unlock your full potential.

Keywords: binocular vision dysfunction, BVD, test-taking difficulties, academic performance, vision therapy, eye health

Struggling with Math? It Might Be Your Eyes 20 Oct 2024, 1:08 am

 Struggling with Math? It Might Be Your Eyes

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

Ever found yourself staring at a math problem, feeling like you know the answer but just can't seem to get it right? It's a frustrating experience to be struggling with math, especially when you're confident in your abilities. Before you blame yourself, consider this: your vision might be playing a bigger role than you think.

The Connection Between Vision and Math

It may sound surprising, but there's a strong link between your vision and your math skills. Issues like convergence and sufficiency, which are visual processing deficiencies, can significantly impact your ability to perform mathematical tasks.

Convergence and Sufficiency: What Are They?

Convergence refers to your eyes' ability to work together to focus on objects at different distances. Sufficiency is the ability of your eyes to maintain this focus over time. When either of these is impaired, it can lead to problems aligning your eyes and processing information correctly.

Symptoms of Vision-Related Math Difficulties

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be worth exploring a potential connection to your vision:

• Difficulty reading numbers or symbols

• Frequent headaches or eye strain

• Making simple calculation errors

• Feeling overwhelmed by complex math problems

• Double vision or blurred vision

How Vision Problems Can Affect Math Performance

• Difficulty focusing: When your eyes struggle to converge or maintain sufficiency, it can be challenging to focus on the details of a math problem.

• Double vision: Seeing two images of the same object can make it difficult to accurately perceive numbers and symbols.

• Eye strain: Prolonged eye strain can lead to fatigue and decreased concentration, making it harder to solve math problems.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Eye Exam

If you suspect your vision might be affecting your math skills, it's essential to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist. They can assess your vision and identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to your difficulties.

Treatment Options

Depending on the specific nature of your vision problems, your optometrist may recommend various treatment options, including:

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses: These can correct refractive errors and improve your vision.

• Vision therapy: This involves exercises designed to strengthen your eye muscles and improve your visual skills.

Conclusion

While it's natural to attribute math difficulties to a lack of ability or understanding, it's important to consider the potential role of your vision. By addressing any underlying vision problems, you may be able to significantly improve your math performance and boost your confidence.

Can You Improve Your Eye Tracking? 15 Oct 2024, 3:46 pm

Can You Improve Your Eye Tracking?

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

Have you ever struggled to follow a moving object or keep your eyes on the lines of a page? If so, you might be experiencing poor eye tracking. But don't worry, there's hope! Eye tracking is a skill that can be improved with the right guidance.

What is Eye Tracking?

Eye tracking is the ability to smoothly and accurately follow objects with your eyes. It's a crucial skill for many everyday activities, from reading and driving to playing sports and watching movies. What many don't know, however, is that tracking your eyes smoothly is actually a higher order visual skill that requires many other foundational skills to be working accurately and efficiently.

Why is Eye Tracking Important?

Good eye tracking is essential for:

• Reading comprehension: Poor eye tracking can make it difficult to focus on words and understand what you're reading.

• Visual learning: When your eyes can't keep up with the information, it can hinder your ability to learn from visual cues.

• Sports performance: Athletes need good eye tracking to anticipate the movements of opponents and react quickly.

• Computer work: Staring at a screen for extended periods can strain your eyes and affect your tracking ability.

What Causes Poor Eye Tracking?

Poor eye tracking is often a symptom of underlying binocular vision dysfunction. This means there's a problem with the coordination between your two eyes. Common issues that can affect eye tracking include:

• Divergence insufficiency: Difficulty turning your eyes outward.

• Divergence excess: Difficulty turning your eyes inward.

• Convergence insufficiency: Difficulty bringing your eyes together to focus on a near object.

• Convergence excess: Difficulty keeping your eyes from crossing.

• Deficiency in Smooth Pursuits: Difficulty smoothly guiding eyes across a page or in in any direction in a smooth and controlled manner.

• Accommodative Spasms: Difficultly sending a correct neurological signal to the Ciliary Body muscle in side of the eye that accommodates the lens to keep words, letters, numbers, and more clear when looking at them up close.

Can Poor Eye Tracking Be Fixed?

The good news is that poor eye tracking can often be improved. With the right treatment, many people can experience significant improvements in their eye tracking abilities.

Treatment Options

The best treatment for poor eye tracking will depend on the underlying cause and Vision Therapy or Vision Rehabilitation is the Gold Standard for Binocular Vision Dysfunction and Visual Processing Deficiencies.

• Vision therapy: This involves exercises and activities designed to improve your eye muscles and coordination.

• Vision Rehabilitation: This is specialized vision therapy sessions for a patient who has damage to visual processing skills sustained a brain injury. Brain injuries that can damage these skills include concussions, whiplash, surgery, strokes, inflammation from infections (such as COVID), and more.

Tips for Improving Eye Tracking at Home

While professional treatment can be very helpful, there are also steps you can take at home to improve your eye tracking:

• Practice eye exercises: There are many simple exercises you can do to strengthen your eye muscles and improve coordination.

• Take breaks from screens: Staring at screens for long periods can strain your eyes and worsen eye tracking problems.

• Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet can help support overall eye health.

Conclusion

Poor eye tracking can be frustrating and impact your daily life. However, with the right treatment and a little effort, you can improve your eye tracking skills and enjoy better vision. If you're concerned about your eye tracking, consult with an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

Double Vision and Anxiety: The Hidden Link Between Anxiety and Vision 8 Oct 2024, 1:59 pm

Seeing Double: The Hidden Link Between Anxiety and Vision

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

Double vision can be a distressing symptom that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. While many people may attribute double vision to anxiety, the truth is that in over 30% of cases, it's actually caused by an underlying visual issue known as binocular vision dysfunction.

The Misdiagnosis of Double Vision

It's not uncommon for patients experiencing double vision to be told by their doctors that their symptoms are simply due to anxiety. This misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary stress and frustration, as patients may struggle to manage their symptoms without addressing the root cause. Many primary care doctors are still unaware of how common Binocular Vision Dysfunction is. Binocular Vision Dysfunction is present in over 30% of the general population and 90% of people who have experienced any kind of brain injury such as a concussion, whiplash, surgery, or other brain injuries. Unaware of how common Binocular Vision Dysfunction is, doctors will misdiagnose the patient with anxiety in and of itself which is then state that the double vision is from the anxiety instead of causing the anxiety.

The Role of Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Binocular vision dysfunction occurs when the eyes don't work together properly, leading to a variety of visual problems, including double vision, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. When these visual disturbances occur, it's natural for individuals to experience anxiety and stress.

The Anxiety-Vision Cycle

The relationship between anxiety and vision can be a vicious cycle. Anxiety can exacerbate visual symptoms, making it more difficult to focus and concentrate. In turn, these visual difficulties can trigger further anxiety, creating a self-perpetuating loop.

We have countless patients who come to our office being told by their doctor that they have anxiety issues that cause the vision problems but they state that they don't have anything in their life that gives them anxiety but instead become anxious when they get the double vision and experience the vision abnormalities.

It is a completely normal response to get anxious and then stressed if you experience double vision. The sad problem that many people face is that their doctor then writes off their double vision and I have had multiple patients actually report that their doctor has told them they need to just "calm down"

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

It's crucial for doctors to recognize the link between binocular vision dysfunction and double vision. By accurately diagnosing the underlying cause, patients can receive appropriate treatment and experience significant relief from their symptoms.

Treatment for Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Treatment for binocular vision dysfunction may involve a combination of the following:

• Vision Therapy: The gold standard for the treatment of Binocular Vision Dysfunction and can treat and often CURE the deficiency removing the double vision completely. Specialized exercises designed to improve eye coordination and visual function.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Adjustments to lighting, screen time, and other environmental factors can help alleviate symptoms.

Conclusion

Double vision can be a frustrating and distressing symptom. However, by understanding the role of binocular vision dysfunction and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can find relief and improve their overall quality of life. It's important for healthcare providers to be aware of this condition and to accurately diagnose patients who are experiencing double vision.

Keywords: double vision, binocular vision dysfunction, anxiety, vision therapy, eye health, visual problems, eye strain, eyeglass prescription, vision care

Beyond the White Coat: Creating a Comfortable and Effective Eye Exam Experience 8 Oct 2024, 11:00 am

Beyond the White Coat: Creating a Comfortable and Effective Eye Exam Experience

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

The relationship between a patient and their eye care provider is crucial for successful eye health. While many healthcare professionals wear white coats, this traditional attire can sometimes create a sense of formality or even anxiety for patients. In my practice, I've made a conscious decision to forego the white coat in favor of a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It not only provides a better experience for my patients, but it can also prevent muscle spasms that lead to inaccurate measurements and even incorrect glasses prescriptions!

The Psychology of the White Coat

The white coat is often associated with authority, professionalism, and expertise. However, for some patients, particularly children, the white coat can evoke feelings of fear or apprehension. This can make it difficult to conduct a thorough and accurate eye exam.

Creating a Relaxed and Comfortable Environment

By eliminating the white coat from my practice, I aim to create a more relaxed and comfortable environment for my patients. When patients feel at ease, they are more likely to cooperate during the exam and provide accurate information.

The Impact of Anxiety on Eye Exams

Anxiety can have a significant impact on eye exams. When patients are anxious, their bodies may enter a fight-or-flight response, which can cause changes in heart rate, breathing, and pupil size. These physiological changes can affect eye measurements and potentially lead to misdiagnosis.

The Role of Accommodative Spasms

One common issue that can arise due to anxiety is accommodative spasms. These involuntary contractions of the ciliary body muscle can affect the shape of the lens and impact vision. When patients are anxious, they may be more prone to accommodative spasms, which can make it difficult to obtain accurate eye measurements.

Stress in an exam can actually cause the muscles (ciliary body muscles) inside of the eye to cramp or spasm and lead to INCORRECT data that can result in the wrong prescription.

Often times we have patient complaining of eye strain and I find that their prescription is too minus which can occur if they have accommodative spasms during an eye exam and the doctor doesn't catch it.

The Importance of a Comfortable and Trusting Relationship

Building a trusting relationship with my patients is essential for providing high-quality care. By creating a comfortable and welcoming environment, I hope to foster a sense of trust and openness. This allows patients to feel comfortable discussing their concerns and questions, leading to better communication and more effective treatment.

Conclusion

While the white coat may be a symbol of professionalism in healthcare, it's important to consider the impact it can have on patients. By creating a more relaxed and welcoming environment, I believe I can provide a better overall experience for my patients and ultimately improve the quality of care I deliver.

Keywords: eye exam, white coat, anxiety, patient comfort, binocular vision dysfunction, accommodative spasms, eye health, vision care, optometrist

More Than Just 3D Glasses: The Hidden Challenges of Watching 3D Movies 8 Oct 2024, 10:15 am

More Than Just 3D Glasses: The Hidden Challenges of Watching 3D Movies

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

3D movies offer an immersive cinematic experience, but for some people, they can be a frustrating ordeal. If you've ever struggled with headaches, dizziness, or eye strain while watching a 3D movie, you're not alone. The culprit behind these issues may be binocular vision dysfunction.

The Science Behind 3D Movies

3D movies use special technology to create the illusion of depth by presenting slightly different images to each eye. Your brain then combines these images to create a three-dimensional perception. However, this process can be challenging for individuals with binocular vision dysfunction.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction: A Common Condition

Binocular vision dysfunction occurs when the eyes don't work together properly. This can lead to a variety of visual problems, including double vision, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. Over 30% of the general population has some degree of binocular vision dysfunction.

The Challenges of 3D Movies for People with Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Individuals with binocular vision dysfunction may experience the following challenges when watching 3D movies:

• Double Vision: Seeing two images of the same object.

• Eye Strain: Fatigue or discomfort in the eyes.

• Headaches: Pain or a throbbing sensation in the head.

• Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness.

• Nausea: Feeling sick to one's stomach.

Seeking Help for Binocular Vision Dysfunction

If you're struggling to enjoy 3D movies, it's important to consult with a neuro-optometrist. They can assess your visual system and determine if binocular vision dysfunction is

contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment for Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Treatment for binocular vision dysfunction often involves vision therapy, a series of exercises designed to improve eye coordination and visual function. Vision therapy can help individuals with binocular vision dysfunction learn to use their eyes more effectively and reduce symptoms.

Conclusion

While 3D movies can be a thrilling experience, they can also be challenging for individuals with binocular vision dysfunction. By understanding the underlying causes of these difficulties and seeking appropriate treatment, you can enjoy 3D movies without discomfort.

Keywords: 3D movies, binocular vision dysfunction, eye strain, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vision therapy, neuro-optometrist, visual problems, eye health

Bifocals for Kids: Are They Really Necessary? 8 Oct 2024, 10:14 am

Bifocals for Kids: Are They Really Necessary?

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

Bifocals are typically associated with older adults who need separate prescriptions for near and far vision. However, in some cases, bifocals may be prescribed to children. It's important to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of bifocals for children and explore alternative treatment options.

The Role of Bifocals in Children

There are three main reasons why bifocals may be prescribed to children:

1. Accommodative Insufficiency: This condition occurs when the eyes struggle to focus on objects up close. Bifocals can help compensate for this by providing a separate prescription for near vision. However, vision therapy is often a more effective and long-lasting solution.

2. Inward Eye Turn (Esotropia): Esotropia is a condition where one or both eyes turn inward. While bifocals may be prescribed to address this issue, vision therapy is often a more effective treatment.

3. Convergence Insufficiency: This binocular vision disorder can make it difficult to focus on objects up close. Bifocals may be prescribed to help with convergence, but they can sometimes exacerbate the problem.

The Advantages of Vision Therapy

Vision therapy is a specialized form of treatment that can help improve eye coordination, focusing skills, and overall visual function. Unlike bifocals, vision therapy addresses the underlying causes of visual problems, providing long-term benefits.

Benefits of Vision Therapy for Children

• Improved Visual Skills: Vision therapy can help children develop stronger eye muscles and improve their ability to focus and track objects.

• Reduced Reliance on Glasses: In many cases, vision therapy can help children become less dependent on glasses or eliminate the need for them altogether.

• Enhanced Academic Performance: Improved visual skills can lead to better academic performance, especially in subjects that require close reading and focusing.

• Improved Quality of Life: Vision therapy can help children participate more fully in activities and enjoy life to the fullest.

Consulting with an Eye Care Professional

If your child has been prescribed bifocals, it's important to consult with an eye care professional to discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks. They can assess your child's visual needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

While bifocals may sometimes be prescribed to children, they are not always the best solution. Vision therapy offers a comprehensive approach to addressing visual problems and can help children develop strong, healthy eyes. By understanding the benefits of vision therapy and seeking professional guidance, you can ensure your child receives the best possible care for their visual needs.

Keywords: bifocals, children, vision therapy, eye health, eye strain, eye problems, optometrist, ophthalmologist, visual processing, binocular vision dysfunction

The Hidden Dangers of Prism Glasses: How They Can Impact Your Vision 8 Oct 2024, 10:14 am

The Hidden Dangers of Prism Glasses: How They Can Impact Your Vision

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Introduction

Prism lenses are often prescribed to correct certain types of vision problems. However, there's a growing awareness that prism can have unintended consequences, including the development of a lazy eye.

The Impact of Prism on Eye Alignment

Prism lenses work by shifting the image seen by the eye. While this can be beneficial for correcting certain visual conditions, it can also disrupt the natural alignment of the eyes. Over time, this can lead to a lazy eye, a condition where one eye turns inward or outward.

The Link Between Prism and Lazy Eyes

Several factors can contribute to the development of a lazy eye due to prism:

• Incorrect Prescription: If prism is prescribed in the wrong amount or direction, it can misalign the eyes.

• Underlying Visual Issues: Pre-existing binocular vision disorders can make individuals more susceptible to the effects of prism.

• Excessive Use: Prolonged use of prism lenses can exacerbate eye alignment problems. In the past, inward eye positioning

The Risks of Using Prism Glasses

If you're considering prism lenses, it's important to be aware of the potential risks:

• Lazy Eye: Prism can contribute to the development of a lazy eye, which can affect vision and depth perception.

• Double Vision: Prism can sometimes cause double vision, especially if it's not prescribed correctly.

• Decreased Depth Perception: As prism moves the images of where the esse is and not where it is in reality, it actually changes

• Headaches and Dizziness: Some individuals may experience headaches or dizziness when using prism lenses.

Seeking Professional Advice

If you're concerned about the potential risks of prism lenses, it's essential to consult with an eye care professional. They can assess your individual needs and determine if prism is appropriate for you.

Alternative Treatments

In some cases, vision therapy may be a more effective option for addressing visual problems. Vision therapy involves a series of exercises designed to improve eye coordination and function.

Conclusion

While prism lenses can be very rarely helpful for certain visual conditions, it's important to be aware of the potential risks. If you're considering prism, discuss the pros and cons with a neuro or developmental optometrist.

Keywords: prism glasses, lazy eye, binocular vision dysfunction, eye health, vision therapy, eye strain, headaches, dizziness, optometrist, ophthalmologist

What is Convergence Excess: A Major Cause of Eye Strain 30 Sep 2024, 6:12 pm

Decoding Convergence Excess: A Visual Processing Challenge

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Have you ever struggled to focus on close objects, experiencing blurry vision, eye strain, or double vision? You might be dealing with convergence excess, a common visual processing issue that can significantly impact your daily life. In this blog post, I'll delve into the intricacies of convergence excess, its causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options.

Understanding Convergence Excess

Convergence excess occurs when your brain miscalculates the distance between your eyes and an object. This leads to excessive inward turning of the eyes, eye strain, and can even lead to a condition known as esotropia which is a form of strabismus (aka "lazy eye") where the eye rests inward and out of alignment at times. When your eyes are misaligned, it can disrupt your vision and cause various symptoms.

Common Causes of Convergence Excess

• Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries or conditions like whiplash can disrupt the brain's ability to accurately calculate distance and coordinate eye movements.

• Near Illuminated Screen Time: We have found that excessive screen time on computers, laptops, tablets, and cell phones can cause incorrect inward posturing of the eyes that will result in fatigue and strain even when looking further away.

• Stress and Fatigue: High levels of stress or fatigue can strain your visual system and contribute to convergence excessively or decrease your ability to diverge your eyes into a distance. After an extended period of time, you can begin to have a general eye posture that is out of alignment and too far inward causing strain even when the stressor is gone.

  
  

Symptoms of Convergence Excess

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's essential to consult with an eye care professional:

• Double vision

• Blurred vision

• Eye strain

• Headaches

• Neck and shoulder pain and tightness

• Difficulty reading or focusing on close objects

• Sensitivity to light

The Impact of Convergence Excess

Convergence excess can make it challenging to perform everyday tasks like reading, writing, and using computers. It can also lead to social anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating.

Treatment for Convergence Excess

Vision therapy is a highly effective treatment for convergence excess. It involves a series of exercises and activities designed to retrain your brain to accurately calculate distance and coordinate your eye movements. Since the muscles that move the eyes aren't actually weak, there no need to "strengthen" them and the vision therapy will work to correct the neurolocial miscalculation.

Conclusion

Convergence excess is a treatable condition. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can take steps to improve your vision and quality of life and you don't have to suffer with the strain and headaches forever. If you're experiencing symptoms of convergence excess, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with a neuro or developmental optometrist.

Keywords: convergence excess, strabismus, double vision, eye strain, headaches, brain injury, vision therapy, treatment, visual processing.

What are Accommodative Spasms? What Can Cause Blurred Vision? 29 Sep 2024, 3:50 am

You have 20/20 vision but still have occasional blurred vision. If it happens when looking far away, you're having Accommodative Spasms.

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Are Your Eyes Suffering from Accommodative Spasms?

In today's digital age, our eyes are constantly bombarded with visual stimuli from screens of all sizes. This constant strain can lead to a variety of eye problems, including accommodative spasms. If you've been experiencing blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain, you might be wondering what's causing it. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricacies of accommodative spasms, their symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options.

Understanding Accommodative Spasms

Accommodative spasms occur when the ciliary muscle, responsible for focusing your eyes, becomes overworked and strained. This can lead to difficulty focusing on distant objects, even when you're not actively trying to. Imagine your eyes as a camera lens; when you look at something far away, the lens relaxes to focus on the distant object. With accommodative spasms, the lens remains partially focused, making it difficult to see clearly at a distance.

Common Symptoms of Accommodative Spasms

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's worth consulting with an eye care professional:

• Blurred vision, especially at a distance

• Headaches

• Eye strain and fatigue

• Difficulty reading or focusing on close objects

• Double vision

Causes of Accommodative Spasms

Several factors can contribute to the development of accommodative spasms, including:

• Excessive screen time: Prolonged exposure to digital devices can strain your eyes and lead to muscle spasms.

• Eye strain: Engaging in demanding visual tasks, such as reading or doing fine work, can also contribute to eye strain and spasms.

Diagnosing Accommodative Spasms

A Binocular Vision evaluation exam is essential for diagnosing accommodative spasms. Our evaluations reserve over an hour of the doctor's time and include tests you have probably never had performed at any doctor's office. The exam includes test that evaluate vergences, accommodation, tracking, saccades, fixation stability, eye resting positionss, and more.

Treatment Options for Accommodative Spasms

The appropriate treatment for accommodative spasms will depend on the severity of your condition. Common treatment options include:

• Vision therapy: Exercises designed to improve how your brain processes space and light data will correct the neurological miscalculation and then incorrect guidance of the muscle inside of your eye to flex and spasm when it shouldn't.

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses: In some cases, corrective lenses can help alleviate symptoms.

• Lifestyle changes: Reducing screen time, taking breaks from demanding visual tasks, and managing stress can also help.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment of accommodative spasms are crucial to prevent further complications and improve your quality of life. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.

Conclusion

Accommodative spasms are a common eye condition that can significantly impact your daily life. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can take steps to manage your condition and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision. If you're struggling with eye strain or blurry vision, don't ignore the signs. Seek a binocular vision evaluation as it can help to determine if accommodative spasms are occurring.

How do I Improve Reaction Time? 29 Sep 2024, 3:14 am

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

How do you improve reaction time? Before you can even begin to initiate a movement, you have to know WHERE you are sending your hand, foot, or entire body. And before you do that, you have to calculate the location. So yes, a LOT goes on long before you even initiate the reaction, and here's just one example of a visual processing skill that contributes to the speed and accuracy of your response.

Decoding Dynamic Visual Closure: The Key to Rapid Reactions

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how athletes seem to effortlessly anticipate the trajectory of a ball and react with lightning speed? The answer lies in a cognitive skill called dynamic visual closure. This ability is essential for a wide range of activities, from sports to driving and even everyday tasks.

Understanding Dynamic Visual Closure

Dynamic visual closure is the brain's ability to predict the path of a moving object based on limited visual information. It's like mentally filling in the gaps of a trajectory to anticipate where an object will be in the future.

The more advanced this skill is, the less information your brain will need to determine the trajectory or fill in the gaps of where the target is going to be. And the faster you can do that... the faster you can react.

The Importance of Dynamic Visual Closure

Dynamic visual closure is crucial for activities that require quick reactions, such as:

• Sports: Baseball, tennis, hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, football, soccer, and basketball all rely heavily on dynamic visual closure.

• Driving: Predicting the movements of other vehicles and pedestrians is essential for safe driving.

• Everyday tasks: Reacting to unexpected situations, like avoiding obstacles or catching a falling object, requires dynamic visual closure.

Improving Dynamic Visual Closure

While some people naturally excel at dynamic visual closure, it's a skill that can be developed through targeted training. Here are some strategies:

• Practice visual tracking exercises: Follow moving objects with your eyes to improve eye-hand coordination.

• Engage in sports: Playing sports that require quick reactions can help train your brain to process visual information more efficiently.

• Try visual perception activities: Puzzles, games, and other activities that challenge your visual processing can be beneficial.

• MOST IMPORTANT: Get a binocular vision evaluation by a neuro or developmental optometrist to see if you have an underlying deficiency hindering the development of this higher-order skill.

  
  

Conclusion

Dynamic visual closure is a valuable skill that can enhance your performance in sports, improve your safety on the road, and even help you navigate everyday life more efficiently. By understanding the importance of this skill and taking steps to improve it, you can unlock your full potential.

Dyslexia Definition 22 Sep 2024, 4:01 pm

Dyslexia: What is it truly according to it's definition?

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to read and understand written language, has long been a topic of discussion and research. While it's often characterized as a difficulty with decoding words, there's more to the story.

The dyslexia definition involves visual processing deficiencies and since binocular vision dysfunction is present in over 30% of students, binocular vision dysfunction is more often a cause a switching letters, switching numbers, reversing letters, skipping words, skipping lines, poor reading comprehension, being a slow reading, being a bad test taker, and more.

The Neuroscience Behind Dyslexia

According to the Mayo Clinic, dyslexia stems from individual differences in the brain regions responsible for reading. This suggests that it's not merely a lack of effort or intelligence but a neurological condition. Genetic factors also play a significant role, as dyslexia often runs in families.

The Connection to Visual Processing

One of the lesser-known aspects of dyslexia is its connection to visual processing. Individuals with dyslexia often struggle with tasks that require visual acuity, such as reading or tracking objects. This is because reading is a complex process that involves multiple visual skills, including:

• Eye tracking: The ability to move your eyes smoothly and accurately across a page.

• Visual perception: The ability to interpret and understand what you see.

• Visual memory: The ability to remember and recall visual information.

Think of reading as a high-performance athletic event. To excel, you need all your muscles working in harmony. If one muscle is weak or out of sync, it can significantly impact your overall performance. Similarly, if one or more of your visual skills are impaired, it can make reading a challenging task.

The Importance of Binocular Vision

While dyslexia is often associated with difficulties in decoding words, many of the challenges experienced by individuals with dyslexia can actually be traced back to binocular vision dysfunction. Binocular vision refers to the ability of both eyes to work together as a team to create a single, clear image. When binocular vision is impaired, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

• Double vision

• Eye strain

• Headaches

• Difficulty reading

• Sensitivity to light

The Role of Vision Therapy

The good news is that many of the visual challenges associated with dyslexia can be addressed through vision therapy. Vision therapy is a specialized form of eye care that involves exercises and activities designed to improve visual function. By strengthening the underlying visual skills, vision therapy can help individuals with dyslexia improve their reading ability and overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Dyslexia is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on a person's life. While it's often associated with difficulties in decoding words, there's more to the story. By understanding the underlying neurological and visual factors that contribute to dyslexia, we can develop more effective interventions and support for individuals who are affected by this condition.

Anxiety in Grocery Stores: A Visual Processing Perspective 22 Sep 2024, 3:55 pm

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute

Have you ever felt a surge of anxiety as you step into a bustling grocery store? The bright lights, the crowded aisles, the endless array of products can be overwhelming for many. While some might attribute this discomfort to general social anxiety or fear of crowds, there's a growing body of evidence suggesting that underlying visual processing issues could be at play.

We have had countless patients come to our offices stating that their doctors have said there's nothing wrong with them and they need to just "calm down" and we have found a measurable deficiency EVERY TIME.

You are not alone and you do not have to suffer for the rest of your life.

Binocular Vision Disorder: A Potential Culprit

Binocular vision disorder, a condition affecting the coordination of both eyes, is often implicated in grocery store anxiety. This disorder can manifest in various ways, including:

• Divergence insufficiency: Difficulty looking down the aisle, leading to a sense of disorientation.

• Spasms of the accommodative lens: Sudden muscle contractions in the lens, causing blurry vision and discomfort.

• Convergence insufficiency: Struggling to focus on details, such as reading product labels.

• Accommodative insufficiencies: Difficulty adjusting focus between near and far objects.

• Pursuit problems: Challenges tracking moving objects, like other shoppers or products on conveyor belts.

• Saccade problems: Difficulty shifting gaze quickly between different items.

• Figure-ground problems: Struggling to distinguish specific items from the overall environment.

• Visual closure problems: Difficulty recognizing objects when parts are obscured or missing.

• Form constancy problems: Struggling to recognize familiar objects in different contexts or orientations.

• Visual memory and visualization problems: Difficulty recalling or imagining visual information.

These visual processing challenges can significantly impact a person's ability to navigate complex environments like grocery stores. The constant visual stimuli, combined with potential binocular vision issues, can trigger feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.

The Grocery Store Environment: A Visual Stressor

Beyond binocular vision disorder, the grocery store environment itself can contribute to visual stress. Bright fluorescent lighting, often used in grocery stores, can be harsh on the eyes and exacerbate visual discomfort. Additionally, the frequent rearrangement of products can make it difficult to find familiar items, leading to frustration and anxiety.

The Link Between Anxiety and Visual Processing

Research suggests that a significant percentage of the population experiences binocular vision dysfunction or visual processing deficiencies. In fact, studies estimate that over 30% of the general population and a staggering 90% of individuals with post-concussion syndrome have these issues. When combined with the visually demanding environment of a grocery store, it's no wonder that anxiety can arise.

Seeking Relief: The Role of Neuro-Optometry

If you suspect that your grocery store anxiety might be related to visual processing issues, consulting a neuro-optometrist or developmental optometrist can be beneficial. These specialists can assess your binocular vision and visual processing skills and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Through specialized exercises and therapies, neuro-optometrists can help improve eye coordination, reduce visual stress, and enhance overall visual function. By addressing underlying visual issues, individuals may experience a significant reduction in grocery store anxiety and improve their overall quality of life.