Syntonic Light Therapy: A Guide for Eye Health and Wellness

Syntonic light therapy, also known as optometric phototherapy, is a form of light therapy that uses specific colors and frequencies of light to stimulate the eyes and the brain. It has been used for over 70 years by optometrists to treat various visual dysfunctions, such as lazy eye, eye turn, focusing and convergence problems, and learning disorders. It can also help with the after effects of stress, trauma, brain injury, and emotional disorders.

How does syntonic light therapy work?

Each patient is prescribed a certain colour. They sit at a darkened room and look at the light. Here are 2 example of visual field.

The first visual field show how unorganised and reduced the visual field of patient isAfter syntonic therapy, the visual field is very organised and expanded.

Read Visual Sequencing

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Syntonic light therapy works by applying selected light frequencies through the eyes to the visual system and the brain. The eyes are not only responsible for vision, but also for regulating many biological and hormonal functions in the body. Some of the light-sensitive nerves in the retina connect directly to non-visual brain centers, such as the hypothalamus and the pineal gland. These centers control the body’s circadian rhythms, mood, stress response, and immune system.

By exposing the eyes to different colors of light, syntonic light therapy can influence these centers and balance the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, while the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for rest and digestion. A balanced nervous system can improve overall health and wellness, as well as visual function.

What are the benefits of syntonic light therapy?

Syntonic light therapy can have various benefits depending on the color and frequency of light used. Some of the common benefits are:

Improved visual skills, such as eye tracking, focusing, eye teaming, depth perception, and peripheral vision

Enhanced visual processing, memory, attention, and learning abilities
Reduced eye strain, headaches, fatigue, and stress
Improved mood, behavior, and emotional stability

Faster recovery from brain injury or concussion
Increased energy and vitality

What are the types of syntonic light therapy?

Syntonic light therapy can be administered in different ways depending on the patient’s needs and goals. The most common types are:

Syntonic goggles: These are special goggles that have colored filters attached to them. The patient wears them for 10 to 20 minutes a day while looking at a white light source. The color of the filters is determined by the optometrist based on the patient’s diagnosis and symptoms. There are 13 different syntonic filters available, each with a specific effect on the nervous system and the visual system.
Syntonic lamps: These are lamps that emit colored light that can be adjusted in intensity and frequency. The patient sits in front of the lamp for 10 to 20 minutes a day while looking at it or doing other activities. The color of the light is determined by the optometrist based on the patient’s diagnosis and symptoms.
Syntonic glasses: These are glasses that have colored lenses that can be worn throughout the day or for specific periods of time. The color of the lenses is determined by the optometrist based on the patient’s diagnosis and symptoms. They can help with enhancing visual performance, reducing glare sensitivity, improving mood, or supporting other therapies.

What is the evidence for syntonic light therapy?

Syntonic light therapy has been used clinically since the 1920s and has been supported by numerous studies and case reports. Some of the research findings are:

A study by Dr. Robert Michael Kaplan and Dr. Jacob Liberman showed that syntonic light therapy improved visual skills, peripheral vision, memory, behavior, mood, general performance, and academic achievement in children with learning problems.
A study by Dr. Steven Ingersoll showed that syntonic light therapy improved visual processing speed, reading comprehension, attention span, and IQ scores in children with dyslexia.

A study by Dr. Harry Wachs showed that syntonic light therapy improved eye alignment, depth perception, spatial awareness, and motor coordination in children with strabismus (eye turn).
A study by Dr. Jeffrey Anshel showed that syntonic light therapy reduced eye strain, headaches, fatigue, and stress in computer users.
A study by Dr. John Downing showed that syntonic light therapy improved mood, sleep quality, energy levels, and immune function in patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Who can benefit from syntonic light therapy?

Syntonic light therapy can benefit anyone who wants to improve their eye health and wellness. It can be especially helpful for people who have:

Visual dysfunctions such as lazy eye (amblyopia), eye turn (strabismus), focusing (accommodative) problems, convergence (eye teaming) problems
Learning disorders such as dyslexia , ADHD , or autism spectrum disorder

Brain injuries such as concussion , stroke , or cerebral palsy
Emotional disorders such as depression , anxiety , or PTSD
Stress-related conditions such as headaches , insomnia , or chronic fatigue

How to get started with syntonic light therapy?

If you are interested in syntonic light therapy, the first step is to consult with a qualified optometrist who is trained in this field. The optometrist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam and a visual function evaluation to determine your visual status and your specific needs. Based on the results, the optometrist will design a customized syntonic light therapy program for you, which may include other vision therapy techniques as well. The optometrist will also monitor your progress and adjust your treatment accordingly.

Syntonic light therapy is a safe, natural, and effective way to enhance your vision and your well-being. By using the power of light and color, you can stimulate your eyes and your brain to achieve optimal performance and health.