What is visual training
Visual training is a series of guided exercises that train visual skills: the ability of the two eyes to work together, to converge for near work, to focus, and to move precisely. The goal is to use your vision with more comfort and less fatigue.
When it can be useful
- Visual fatigue (asthenopia) related to studying or near-work tasks
- Convergence insufficiency: difficulty keeping the eyes aligned during near work
- Focusing difficulties when switching between distance and near vision
- Fusion difficulties, i.e., in merging images from both eyes
- Imprecise eye movements, for example, often losing your place while reading
When headaches or discomfort during reading are caused by these difficulties, visual training can help reduce them.
What it cannot do
- It does not correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia: for these, glasses or contact lenses are needed.
- It does not cure dyslexia or other learning disabilities, which must be evaluated by developmental specialists. However, it can help when visual difficulties are present in addition to these.
- In cases of amblyopia or strabismus, the approach must be determined by an ophthalmologist.
- Frequent headaches or suddenly occurring double vision must be evaluated by a doctor first.
How it works
It begins with an assessment of visual skills via a postural optometric examination. Then, a personalized exercise program is developed, involving in-office sessions and exercises to be done at home, with progress monitored over time.
A relaxation exercise
“Palming”: close your eyes, cover them with your palms without applying pressure, and relax for 1–2 minutes. It is a simple way to give your eyes a break after many hours in front of a screen.