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Vision therapy is a treatment plan that is intended to develop and improve a patient’s visual skills and abilities, with the goal of making their day-to-day life easier. You may also hear Vision Therapy referred to as VT. Although most commonly associated with children, whose visual skills are still naturally developing, adults can also benefit from vision therapy.
 

Any patient who does not have the necessary visual skills could find themselves suffering from a range of unpleasant symptoms, including headaches, eye fatigue, stiff neck, and double vision. Fortunately, vision therapy is a simple, painless technique to help patients to enhance their visual skills and overcome any issues that they may have been experiencing.
 

Skills that can be developed and improved through vision therapy

Vision therapy has been shown to be an effective way of developing and improving the following visual skills, all of which are important for day-to-day life. 
 

Tracking: this refers to the ability to follow a moving object smoothly and accurately with both eyes – such as moving traffic or a ball coming towards you.
 

Depth perception: this is the ability to judge relative distances of objects and move accurately in a 3D space – for example, being able to walk down a flight of stairs.
 

Peripheral vision: this refers to the edges of your vision and your ability to assess what’s happening in your peripheral vision while paying attention to something directly in front of you.
 

Acuity at different distances: this is the ability to see clearly enough to identify and understand objects at both near and far distances. 
 

Fixation: enabling patients to quickly and accurately look at, identify and understand stationery objects one after the other, for example, reading word to word. 
 

Binocular vision: the ability for both eyes to work together in perfect synchronization.
 

Shifting focus: patients with this skill can look quickly at different distances without momentary blur. 
 

Visualization: a valuable visual skill that enables patients to form and retain images in their head. 
 

Many people don’t realize that eyelashes are both functional and attractive. The purpose of eyelashes is to act as a first line of defense for our eyes, preventing airborne dirt, dust and other debris from reaching the delicate tissues of our eyes. You probably don’t know that when your eyes are closed, your eyelashes form a nearly impenetrable barrier against foreign irritants entering the eyes. 

Unfortunately, we aren’t all blessed with naturally thick, luscious lashes. In fact, many people choose to get artificial eyelashes or eyelash extensions to make them appear longer or thicker than they really are. Unfortunately, the challenge of achieving voluminous eyelashes is even greater if you suffer from a condition called hypotrichosis. 

The Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams at Diplopia

Diabetes is a complex condition that affects the entire body, including the eyes. At Diplopia, Dr. Kyser understands the critical importance of proactive and comprehensive eye care for diabetic patients. With advanced technology and a holistic approach, she ensures that each patient receives the best possible care to preserve their vision and overall eye health.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Diabetic Eye Exams

At Diplopia, Dr. Kyser uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to monitor and manage diabetic eye health. These include:

• Retinal Imaging: Captures detailed images of the retina, allowing for a clear view of any changes in the blood vessels or other diabetic complications.

• Visual Field Testing: Assesses peripheral vision, which can be affected by diabetic retinopathy.

• Color Vision Testing: Detects any early color vision abnormalities, which can be a sign of diabetic changes.

• Full-Field Electroretinography (ffERG): One of the most advanced tools at Diplopia, ffERG tests the health of the photoreceptors in the eye. This test can detect diabetic-related issues even before visible changes are seen in a retinal exam, allowing for early intervention and better management.

These tools are crucial in diagnosing diabetic retinopathy early, before any noticeable symptoms occur, ensuring that patients can maintain optimal vision for as long as possible.

Why Annual Eye Exams Matter for Diabetic Patients

Dr. Kyser recommends that most asymptomatic diabetic patients undergo a comprehensive eye exam annually. This allows her to detect any subtle changes in the eyes before vision is affected. For patients showing early signs of diabetic retinopathy or other complications, follow-up appointments every 4 to 6 months may be necessary to monitor progression and adjust treatment plans.
 

Diabetic retinopathy can develop without warning, and without regular exams, patients risk permanent vision loss. The earlier problems are detected, the more likely they are to be managed effectively, minimizing damage.

ffERG: Predicting the Future of Your Eye Health

What sets Diplopia apart is the use of ffERG, which offers a glimpse into the future of a diabetic patient’s eye health. This technology evaluates the function of the retina at a deeper level, detecting issues with the photoreceptors—the cells responsible for capturing light—before they become apparent during a standard exam. By identifying potential complications early, Dr. Kyser can intervene with preventative care, helping patients avoid more invasive treatments like laser therapy or injections down the road.

Coordinated Care for a Holistic Approach

At Diplopia, Dr. Kyser takes a holistic approach to diabetic care. She works closely with each patient's primary care physician or endocrinologist to ensure that the treatment plan is cohesive and that the patient’s eye care is part of their overall diabetes management. Communication is key, and Dr. Kyser ensures that the patient’s care team is kept informed of any significant findings from the eye exam.

Diet and Whole-Body Health: More Than Just Eyes

Dr. Kyser doesn’t just focus on the eyes—she treats diabetic patients as whole individuals. Diabetes is a systemic condition, and the health of the body directly affects the health of the eyes. One of the first steps she takes in managing diabetes is discussing dietary habits with her patients.
 

Dr. Kyser emphasizes the importance of reducing carbohydrate intake and eliminating processed foods and seed oils from the diet. She may also recommend nutraceuticals to support overall health and help manage specific symptoms. This comprehensive approach can improve both the patient’s systemic health and their eye health.

Preventing Complications Before They Arise

One of the primary goals of Diplopia is to avoid the need for invasive treatments like laser procedures or injections, which become necessary when diabetic eye disease progresses to more advanced stages. With regular exams, advanced diagnostics like ffERG, and personalized care plans, Dr. Kyser helps her patients avoid these complications through early intervention.  Diabetic eye care at Diplopia is about more than just managing eye health—it’s about taking a proactive, whole-body approach to prevent complications before they arise. With advanced technology and personalized, compassionate care, Dr. Kyser and the team at Diplopia are dedicated to preserving the vision and well-being of every diabetic patient.

Generally, despite knowing how important the role of our eyes is in our day to day functioning, we tend to neglect the day to day care necessary to maintain optimal eye health. Just close your eyes for a minute or you put a non-transparent cloth across your eyes and try to walk around your home or workspace. It is quite difficult, right? That is how indispensable the eyes are.

While it is common knowledge that eye issues are a result of eyestrain or aging, most people are ignorant of the fact that an unbalanced diet, as well as deficiency in certain nutrients, can also facilitate eye issues. This implies that eating healthy means that there are certain nutrients that can help reduce the risk of eye issues. Some of these nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, copper, zeaxanthin, zinc, vitamin E, A, C, and beta-carotene. For healthy eyes, there are foods that should be part of your diet daily. They include:

1. Fish- Fish is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially oily fish which have oil inside their body tissue and guts. They are regarded as the major source of omega-3 fatty acids which help in improving the immune system and brain function. More so, it helps in the development of the eye and retina and in keeping the eyes from dryness. It is therefore important to incorporate fish into your diet about 3 times a week. Incorporating fish rich with this needed nutrient such as salmon, tuna, sardines, trout, herring, mackerel, and anchovies about 3 times a week is important in helping to maintain optimal eye health.

2. Eggs- The yolk of an egg contains a combination of the nutrients vitamin A, zeaxanthin, and lutein which help to safeguard the cornea, reducing the chances of suffering from cataracts and macular degeneration and zinc which keeps the retina healthy and aids night vision. Eggs are very complimentary food as it can go with other foods and can also take various forms based on your taste.

3. Carrots- This is the most common food for eye health. It contains beta-carotene and vitamin A which protect the surface of the eyes and help to prevent infections. Vitamin A is a form of protein known as rhodopsin and it is tasked with the responsibility of aiding the eyes in absorbing light. A lack of vitamin A is the reason why there are about 500 thousand blind children every year.  Carrots are easy to get and very affordable. They can serve as snacks or be sliced or diced into salads. 

4. Nuts and Legumes- Legumes and nuts provide a lot of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids which guard the eyes against age-related disorders. Brazilian nuts, peanuts, walnuts, lentils, and cashews are perfect examples of legumes and nuts and can be eaten as a form of dessert or taken as snacks based on your choice.

5. Citrus Fruits- Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for healthy eyes. Vitamin C helps in keeping the blood vessels in the eyes healthy. It also stands against cataracts, and with other nutrients, it helps against macular degeneration. Citrus fruits include oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. The good thing about this food is that they can be consumed on their own or turned into a juice.