Background:
Syntonic phototherapy is a non invasive yet powerful tool that we offer which can improve many vision symptoms (focusing, light sensitivity) as well as nervous system symptoms (headaches, mood)
Syntonics has been in practice for over 80 years, more recently (in the past 15-20 years) it has experienced growth, and has become more common practice among behavioral optometrists.
How does Syntonic Phototherapy work?
Syntonics work by stimulating light-sensitive cells (ipRGC) in the eyes which serve a different function than seeing. These light-sensitive cells connect the retina directly to non-visual brain centers such as the hypothalamus and pineal gland.
These centers influence electrical, chemical and hormonal balances which affect all body functions including vision.
Years of clinical application and research have demonstrated that certain selected light frequencies (colors), applied by way of the eyes to these centers, can produce beneficial results in the body.
What are the logistics?
Syntonics can be performed two different ways.
The first is a syntonizer that is usually done in the office. You would look into an elongated tube with a 2 inch diameter round light. The session is 20 minutes long.
Since it is beneficial to perform this therapy multiple times a week, we mostly send syntonic goggles home with patients, and you would sit outside or by a window and look out with the goggles for 20 minutes.
Sometimes we recommend 2 sets of light filters, in which case you would perform each set for 10 minutes.
Syntonic Glasses
What conditions can Syntonic Phototherapy help with?
Syntonics can help with vision and vision related symptoms, such as improving blurry vision, reduced peripheral awareness, double vision, headaches, dizziness, and eye strain.
It can be used to support vision therapy to aid in the remediation of these below, which are associated with visual stress, brain injury, degenerative ocular disorders, and emotional trauma;
- strabismus
- amblyopia
- accommodative/convergence problems
- visual attention deficit
- vision-related learning and behavior problems, and
- visual field constrictions
How did you get into Syntonics?
I had my first exposure to Syntonics when I was a resident, I attended the College of Optometrists for Visual Development’s annual conference, and a member explained to us how this helps patients heal from their visual dysfunctions.
At the time syntonics was not widely accepted in the optometric community and as a new graduate, I chose to stick with the treatment modalities I was taught during my residency.
It was not until 4 years later, after I had more experience under my belt, did I come back to Syntonics and really took an interest in adding it to my practice.
My interest in Syntonics was a pragmatic one, many of my patients were getting better but they were left with residual symptoms of light sensitivity, motion sensitivity and headaches and I wanted to find a way to help my patients with the sensory aspects of their symptoms.
I took courses offered by the College of Syntonic Optometry and I haven’t looked back! Not only did it help my patients with their sensory visual symptoms, it also helped them recover faster!
What are other types of light therapy that we offer in our office?
One of the benefits of attending the meetings held by the College of Syntonic Optometry is my exposure to other forms of light healing modalities and I have found a few that are complementary to the vision therapy services that we offer.
The first is the Healthy Wave Mat, which uses PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field), Infrared Heat, Red Light, Crystal and Negative Ions.
This mat is used during or after a vision therapy session to stimulate cells to return to healthy function.
We also have the coMra which uses infrared laser, ultrasound and coloured LEDs to improve pain and accelerate cellular recovery.
