Physiotherapic practices in visual acuity with emphasis in myopia and astigmatism

Abstract

In Ophthalmic Physiotherapy exercises are performed to increase eye function. Myopia and Astigmatism are refractive errors that cause changes in distance vision. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of Physical therapy on visual changes, muscle pain and discomfort. This qualitative, descriptive and observational research was performed with a group of five volunteers who presented Astigmatism and/or Myopia. Six instruments were used for data collection: a questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the intervention, a Visual Acuity assessment by the Snellen Optometric Scale, a field diary, an individual employee record and also medical reports. The protocol consisted of exercises based on Meir Schneider's Self-Healing Method. With this study, we observed an increase in Visual Acuity, effects on presbyopia, body satisfaction, self-esteem, decreased eye fatigue, detachment from wearing glasses, increased peripheral magnification, eye attention, memory and acquisition of knowledge about vision care. Ophthalmic Physiotherapy, through the Self-Healing method, is an intervention tool that can recover and/or prevent eye problems and decrease muscle pain.