Dyslexia: Can Customized Eyeglasses, Syntonic Light Therapy, and Vision Therapy Modify the Effects of Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that primarily affects reading, spelling, and writing.  Our brains process information differently.  Some people are visual learners, auditory learners, tactile learners, or conceptual learners.  Some people learn more through books, while others learn more through experiences.  Blended learners learn through a combination of learning styles.  Vision and visual processing plays a huge role in how individuals with dyslexia experience reading and learning.

1. Customized Eyeglasses:

• Eyeglasses for school and for visual function: Adults can understand the difference and benefits of progressive lenses, versus single vision, bifocal, or computer lenses.  Likewise, there are lenses that are made specifically for school use.  This is much more than traditional eyeglasses to see the board.  Most of our learning is at arm's length or at near; computer, textbook, ipad, while also having to see the board.  Eyeglasses for children with dyslexia, can be personalized and customized to gain the greatest efficiency and maximize learning.  They reduce visual stress and facilitate greater visual processing. They can reduce headaches and improve concentration and attention.  .
• Prism Lenses: facilitate the input of visual information when there is binocular misalignment. They recalibrate the brain and improve the flow of visual information.  They are also prescribed for those on the autism spectrum, for ADD/ADHD, and for others

1. Light Therapy (Phototherapy):

• Use of Colored Filters or Light Therapy: Specific wavelengths of light (colored filters) create a better balance between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic and Limbic systems in the brain. This recalibrates the brain, much as you might have to re-boot a computer, and enables better flow.  It is common to see positive behavioral and life changes. 

1. Vision Therapy:

• Vision Therapy: This involves a specific curriculum of customized exercises designed to improve eye coordination, tracking, and visual processing. Vision Therapy is particularly effective for binocular vision problems, such as convergence insufficiency, strabismus, or tracking issues, which can coexist with dyslexia. It reduces or eliminates the visual components af Dyslexia and the child is then more available to learning. The most effective Vision Therapy programs are those rendered by Developmental / Behavioral Optometrists. These professionals have the knowledge of the visual anatomy, optical system, binocular system and visual processing systems of the brain.

Can Struggles with Dyslexia Be Resolved?

• Dyslexia Management: Dyslexia can be a lifelong condition. With appropriate support and interventions, individuals with dyslexia can learn to manage and overcome many of its challenges. It is said that Albert Einstein and others who have attained extraordinary accomplishments, were Dyslexic. The benefits of the above described treatments are to remove the restraints that compound Dyslexia, so that individuals can then build the skills they need to read and write more effectively.
• Early Intervention: Early diagnosis and intervention are key to helping children with dyslexia. The sooner they receive support, the better their outcomes are likely to be.
• Accommodations: Schools and workplaces can provide accommodations, such as extra time on tests, audiobooks, or speech-to-text software, to help individuals with dyslexia succeed academically and professionally. These are work-arounds, rather than addressing the underlying problem. 

Conclusion:

Customized eyeglasses, light therapy, and vision therapy offer benefits for specific visual issues that can accompany dyslexia.  The individual is then better able to work on the core language-processing difficulties that define the condition.