Syntonics

Syntonics, also called optometric phototherapy, is a light-based optometric approach that uses selected colors of visible light. Evidence for its benefits is limited and uncertain, and results vary from person to person. It is not a proven treatment or cure and does not replace established care. A doctor may discuss it for some of the following concerns after an individual evaluation:
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• Unstable vision

• Eyestrain/fatigue

• Strabismus

• Amblyopia

• Double vision

• Poor depth perception

• Glare

• POOR PERIPHERAL VISION/AWARENESS

Other concerns people sometimes raise (evidence is limited) include:

• Headache

• Short attention span

• Poor coordination/balance

• History of Stress and/or trauma including:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Mental and or emotion stress

  • Chronic illness (i.e. lyme disease)

Some practitioners describe syntonics as influencing how the visual system and brain process light, but this has not been established. It should not be understood as a proven way to balance the autonomic nervous system, or as a treatment or cure for digestive, hearing, learning, attention or other symptoms. Persistent or unexplained symptoms deserve a medical evaluation.

People who have had a concussion or brain injury and have eye-alignment or eye-teaming concerns should have a doctor-supervised evaluation. If syntonics is discussed, it would be considered alongside, not instead of, established care such as vision therapy and medical follow-up. Whether it is appropriate is decided case by case.

Sessions are typically brief, and tolerance varies. Tell your doctor about any discomfort during treatment. Claims that syntonics detoxifies the body or reliably changes brain function have not been established.

Ask the office which options are available at your location and whether syntonics suits your evaluation.