Truths about Human Vision

• The neurophysiology of the visual system is NOT “hardwired” at birth.
• The neurovisual processes develop, beginning with light. (birth)
• Visual dysfunctions are not permanent defects, their causes are: deprivation in development, genetic pre-dispositions, birth trauma, health issues, etc. Often, we can find an obvious reason for these dysfunctions:
  • Maladaptations to stress
  • Delayed visual development
  • Trauma induced loss of visual circuitry
  • Early deprivation of movement and visual experiences
  • Genetic predisposition
• There is help for all these conditions because:
  • The human brain produces new neurons throughout life
  • These can be connected together, establishing new neural circuits. This is called plasticity.
  • These new circuits become the mechanism for improved visual performance, in myriad functions. Once these new circuits are developed, they are present for life, barring trauma.

Visagraphs:
A visagraph is a diagnostic tool for evaluating saccadic eye movements necessary for reading.

The visagraph shown at the right is from a fluent reader.

The visagraphs below are from a patient before and after visual training.