Tips for Maximizing Neuroplasticity

Maximizing Neuroplasticity for Optimal Vision Therapy Results
Our neurodevelopmental and rehabilitative optometrists have researched neuroplasticity and have created the top 10 tips to help you maximize your results from Vision Therapy.

1. Repetition: Repeated practice reinforces neural pathways.

2. Intensity: Effort matters. Challenge your brain, but not to the point of frustration.

3. Be Motivated: Reference your goals and how VT will help reach them.

4. Good Brain Food: Balanced whole food diet rich in Omega-3 DHA, antioxidants, vitamins, and probiotics. Examples: Fish, nuts, blueberries, kale, eggs, whole grains, avocados, turmeric, green tea.

5. Bad Brain Food: Avoid highly processed foods, fast food, trans fat, excessive sugar, and artificial additives.

6. Exercise: Learning is enhanced after exercise. Physical activity increases brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) which supports learning and recovery.

7. Sleep: 7-8 hours per night. Detox for your brain, supports memory consolidation and aids in tomorrow’s attention, cognition and motivation.

8. Have Fun! Positive emotions enhance learning and memory. Be positive, compete, work together, laugh!

9. Visualize and Unwind: Take brain breaks to self-reflect and master mental imagery of your VT activities. Visualization activates the same neural circuits as when physically moving eyes.

10. Manage Stress: Chronic stress negatively affects neural pathways and fight/flight collapses peripheral vision.

Apply It. Use improved visual skills where you want to see results: 

Read, Play sports, Ride a bike, Write, Work on computer, Learn new skills, etc.