Light Therapy

Syntonics (Light) Therapy is the branch of Behavioral/Developmental Optometry that deals with the application of selected visible light frequencies through the eyes. The light therapy can help open constricted visual fields, improve depth perception, and help balance the autonomic nervous system. When a child is under stress the sympathetic nervous system is overworking. This stress causes the adrenal glands to overwork with no concern of future energy needs. One of the effects of stress can be tunneled vision.

Syntonics can help reduce this over-sympathetic response. Usually a treatment involves first measuring a child’s peripheral vision. Most children with learning problems have very small visual fields. They tunnel their vision as a way to adapt to the stress placed on them in school. When they don’t possess the visual skills for reading and learning, they develop a stress pattern by tunneling their peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is important for normal body balance, depth perception, and visual memory. Once the diagnosis has been made, the child uses a portable light machine usually at bedtime. Each treatment is 20 minutes 5 days per week for a period of 3 months. Different colors are prescribed based on the child’s health history and initial visual field measurement. The results: expanded peripheral vision, which can have a profound effect on learning, behavior, and attention.

To learn more about Syntonic Light Therapy see my books, Creating Your Personal Vision or Without Ritalin.