TrainYourEyes

TrainYourEyes vision training is deeply rooted in research

Ongoing research is being conducted in the field of binocular vision training, of which TrainYourEyes is also an active participant in collaboration with Copenhagen University.

The core of TrainYourEyes training is based on evidence. It primarily involves training of eye movements, convergence ability and accommodation ability.

Eye movements

Training shows improvements in both reading fluency, reading comprehension and reading speed. Training of eye movements is an important part of TrainYourEyes training.

Key studies:

The Effect of Saccadic Training on Early Reading Fluency
The effect of visual therapy on the ocular motor control of children with DCD
Efficacy of vision therapy in children with learning disability

Convergence - the ability to turn the eyes inward

Training shows improvements in eye irritation, headaches, blurred vision, double vision, fatigue, concentration problems, jumping text, loss of reading comprehension after short reading periods.

Key studies:

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Treatments for Convergence Insufficiency in Children
Effectiveness of Vision Therapy in School Children with Symptomatic CI
Effect of treatment of symptomatic CI on reading in children

Accommodation - the ability to focus

Training shows improvements in blurred vision at reading distance, headaches, running or burning eyes, tired eyes, loss of concentration, and avoidance of near-work activities.

Key studies:

Treatment of Accommodative Dysfunction in Children: Results from RCT
Effectiveness of vergence/accommodative therapy for accommodative dysfunction

Long-term effect of training

Since binocular vision training is not just training of the individual eye muscles, but rather training of the brain's control of the individual binocular vision functions, the effect of binocular vision training has been shown to be long-lasting.

Key studies:

Long Term Effectiveness of Treatments for Symptomatic CI in Children (2010)
The Effect of Saccadic Training on Early Reading Fluency (Leong, 2014)

Prevalence - general population

At least 20% of all children and adults have binocular vision problems (BVD: Binocular vision dysfunction). Depending on study, age, method, selection: 15-51%.

20%

Minimum of children and adults have binocular vision problems

60%

Of patients with acquired brain injury have visual impairments

79%

Of dyslexic children have at least one binocular vision problem

ICD H 51.11

Convergence insufficiency (CI)

When reading, it is necessary to turn the eyes inward so that both eyes hit the same spot in the book. This is called converging. If the eyes cannot converge correctly, it is called convergence insufficiency.

Symptoms:

Double vision/shadows on text
Tired, irritated and strained eyes
Headaches
Difficult to read – words flow together
Loses reading position
Reduced reading speed
Reduced visual endurance

Prevalence:

15% / 34% - Non-dyslexic vs dyslexic children (Swanson, 2018)
5% - All age groups (Cooper, 2012)
13% - 4th and 5th graders (Rouse, 1999)

ICD H 52.533

Accommodation insufficiency (AI)

When reading, it is necessary to be able to focus on the text in the book and quickly switch vision from one distance to another. If the eyes cannot accommodate correctly, it is called accommodation insufficiency.

Symptoms:

Difficulty switching vision from short to long distances
Text jumps and/or changes sharpness
Takes time before text becomes sharp
Blurred vision after prolonged reading
Double vision/shadows
Irritated eyes and headaches

Prevalence:

9% / 55% - Non-dyslexic vs dyslexic children (Swanson, 2018)
23.3% - Special class children (Abu Bakar, 2012)
26% - Children with learning problems (Muzaliha, 2012)

ICD H 55.81/89

Eye movement deficiency

When reading, it is important to be able to move the eyes from letter/word to the next quickly and accurately, and to be able to change lines correctly. Eye movements can be divided into smooth pursuit and saccade movements.

Symptoms:

Reduced reading speed
Reduced reading comprehension
Difficulty reading fluently
Re-reads/skips lines
Swaps letters e.g. 'b' and 'd' / 'p' and 'q'
Fatigue in/around eyes throughout day

Prevalence:

62% - Dyslexic children (Swanson, 2018)
15% - Non-dyslexic children (Swanson, 2018)

60%Have visual impairments

56%Get convergence insufficiency

41%Get accommodation insufficiency

51%Get uncoordinated eye movements

Vision training creates neuroplastic changes

Vision training creates neuroplastic changes in the brain and restores visual function after concussion. 96% improved, 76% fully normalized after 12-16 training sessions.