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Writer's pictureEsna van der Walt

How can light therapy help you?

Syntonic phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is an intriguing field within vision therapy that uses specific wavelengths of light to improve visual and overall health. This non-invasive treatment has been used by optometrists and general physicians for more than 100 years to treat various visual dysfunctions, learning disorders, as well as the symptoms of brain-related injuries and stress. In this blog, we will explore how syntonic phototherapy works and how light therapy can help you.

 

What is syntonic phototherapy?

 

Syntonic phototherapy involves exposing the eyes to specific frequencies of visible light, in other words, colours, to balance the autonomic nervous system and improve visual function. The term “syntonic” is derived from the Greek word “syntony”, meaning “in harmony”. Light therapy therefore aims to restore harmony within the body's physiological and psychological systems by using different coloured lights to stimulate the retina, which in turn affects the brain and the entire nervous system.

 

How does syntonic phototherapy work?

 

Firstly, a qualified optometrist or vision therapist does a thorough assessment to determine whether a patient would need light therapy, and if so, which specific light frequencies would be needed. During syntonic phototherapy a patient will wear prescribed coloured goggles according to their therapeutic goals, while looking at a light source for a few minutes at a time, a number of times per week.

 

The light entering the eyes stimulates light-detecting cells in the retina, which are connected to the brain. By stimulating these areas with specific wavelengths of light, syntonic phototherapy or light therapy can help to recalibrate the body's internal systems, promoting overall balance and health. For instance, exposure to red light has been shown to increase alertness and cognitive function, while blue light can enhance relaxation and reduce stress.

 

Syntonic phototherapy is often combined with a vision therapy programme to reinforce and maintain long term benefits.

 

Applications of syntonic phototherapy

 

Vision Improvement

Syntonic phototherapy is widely used to treat various vision-related issues, such as:

·    Strabismus (crossed eyes), helping improve eye alignment and coordination.

·    Amblyopia (lazy eye), enhancing the visual acuity of the weaker eye.

·    Binocular vision dysfunction, improving the ability of the eyes to work together as a team.

·    Visual field loss, assisting in expanding your visual field.

 

Neurological Conditions

Light therapy has shown promise in managing conditions like:

·    Traumatic brain injuries, aiding in recovery of visual processing skills post-injury.

·    Attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD), enhancing focus and reducing hyperactivity.

 

Emotional and Psychological Well-being

By influencing the autonomic nervous system, syntonic phototherapy can also help manage:

·     Anxiety and depression, inducing a calming effect and improving your mood.

·     Sleep disorders, helping to regulate your internal clock and promoting better sleep patterns.

 

Learning Disabilities

Some studies suggest that syntonic phototherapy can improve cognitive functions and learning abilities in children and adults with learning disabilities.

 

In conclusion

 

Syntonic phototherapy has been used for more than a century and holds promise as a valuable, non-invasive tool in the realm of holistic health and wellness. By harnessing the power of light, this therapy offers a holistic approach to treating a wide range of visual, neurological and psychological conditions, including visual dysfunctions such as strabismus (eye turn), amblyopia (lazy eye), focusing and convergence problems, learning disorders and the effects that occur due to brain injuries, concussion, stress, and trauma.

 

Talk to Tomlinson Optometrists about syntonic phototherapy

 

Tomlinson Optometrists offers a full range of optometry services, including treatment of concussions through syntonic phototherapy, combined with a tailored vision therapy programme.

 

Get in touch with us on WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/TomlinsonOptometristsWhatsApp

Book an appointment online: https://bit.ly/tomlinsonbookinglink

Phone 021 797 7291, email kenilworth@visualcare.co or visit us at 278B Main Road, Kenilworth.




 

 

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