Binocular Dysfunction

Dr. Schwartz has been providing Vision Therapy for her patients since 1983. We help children and adults with binocular vision problems and vision problems that can affect learning and sports.

Request an Appointment

Young Girl Child Eye Exam 1280x853 640x640

Convergence Insufficiency and Convergence Excess

Our goal at Hartsdale Family Eyecare is a lifetime of clear vision. Dr. Schwartz has been providing Vision Therapy for her patients since 1983. We help children and adults with binocular vision problems and vision problems that can affect learning and sports.

At our eye care clinic near White Plains, NY we identify the cause of vision issues caused by Binocular disorders that include; double vision, shaky vision, crossed eyes (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia). We work with people of all ages who have eye movement and binocular disorders. Our goal is identify the cause of your binocular dysfunction, and help you receive the most effective treatment.

Extensive consultations for Binocular Dysfunction & Eye Movement Disorders

These conditions can be present at birth, acquired at an early age, or develop in later childhood and adulthood. We use sophisticated testing to determine the cause of your symptoms. We work diligently to help you and your child understand your condition, and choose the most appropriate treatment.

First you should know a bit

ABOUT CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY AND EXCESS

WHAT IS CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY?

Convergence insufficiency is a condition that in many cases is undetected due to the fact that it is generally not detected with a regular eye exam. It is a condition where the eyes have issues teaming, tending to converge outwards instead. This leads to a variety of symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, inability focusing on close vision tasks, issues with tracking or seeing letters move, and double vision. In many cases the person will compensate by covering or closing one eye when doing near tasks. The effects of Convergence insufficiency are severe with the most common issues being hand eye co-ordination, posture, difficulty focusing on close work. Clinical trials have shown overwhelming success with using vision therapy to correct for convergence insufficiency.

WHAT IS CONVERGENCE EXCESS?

Convergence excess is the condition where the eyes tend to turn towards each other. The most common name for this condition is Strabismus. Esotropia is a form of Strabismus where one eye turns inward. Esphoria is the term used for milder cases of convergence excess. The most common symptoms are headaches, eye fatigue, and difficulty focusing for a longer period of time. For cases of Esphoria and Strabismus a vision therapy program is considered the best course of treatment. For more severe forms of Convergence Excess such as Esotropia and Amblyopia patching or special lenses may be recommended.

WHY TREAT EARLY?

Many types of Convergence related issues are better treated at an earlier age. The ideal age for treating Amblyopia and Esotropia is considered 5-6 years of age. In addition to the benefits of efficacy of treatment, there are many side benefits of treating convergence issues earlier.

The effects of untreated convergence insufficiency and excess is that your child will have a harder time focusing, reading, which in many cases will lead to a general frustration with learning and reading.
In situations where the eye turns inwards or outwards in a noticeable manner, there are severe social pressure on the child.

Choose our eye doctors near White Plains, NY for treatment of your eye movement disorders because we offer:

Top ranked care: Hartsdale Family Eyecare is consistently chosen among residents of Westchester’s Hartsdale & Scarsdale residents for outstanding vision therapy treatments.
Experienced pediatric specialist: Dr. Arlene Schwartz helps children with learning related vision problems. This includes advanced training in eye conditions that affect children.
Team approach: We work closely with other specialists throughout Westchester to ensure you receive the best possible care for your condition.
Latest imaging devices: We use the most sophisticated imaging to perform important tests that help us diagnose the cause of your symptoms. Our high-tech imaging devices allow us to see the outer edges of the eye, a significant advance that better guides the treatment decisions recommended to you by your medical team.
National leader in optometry: Dr. Schwartz continues to study and is dedicated to finding the latest techniques and technology to give you state-of-the-art eye care.
Comprehensive support: At Hartsdale Family Eyecare our team is available to help you cope and understand the steps and treatments necessary for improved vision.

EYE MOVEMENT & BINOCULAR DISORDERS

Extensive evaluation: We conduct an extensive and thorough evaluation, using the latest technology to determine the best treatment option. The evaluation is tailored to your specific symptoms. Your evaluation will include a complete medical history, an examination of your eyes, including close inspection of your retina and optic nerve, and several imaging scans. The following tests may be conducted.

Visual acuity: Measures the extent to which vision is affected. Orthoptic measures or eye movement analysis. An eye movement specialist measures ocular alignment and the coordination between the eyes in all positions of gaze.

What is Amblyopia and Strabismus?

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye”, is the lack of normal visual development in an eye, despite the eye being healthy. If left untreated, it can cause legal blindness in the affected eye.

What causes amblyopia?

The most common cause of amblyopia is strabismus (intermittent or constant misalignment of the eyes). Another common cause is a significant difference in the refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism) in the two eyes.

Strabismus

Strabismus is the intermittent or constant misalignment of the eyes and is commonly called cross eyed. The good news is that Strabismus and Amblyopia can be treated, however it’s important to correct amblyopia as early as possible, before the brain ignores vision in the affected eye.

Amblyopia and Strabismus Treatment

Amblyopia and strabismus (lazy eye or cross eye) are treated at a young age using one of the following methods depending on the age, maturity and severity of the condition. In many cases our Optometrist, Dr. Schwartz, will recommend a combination of the following.

Vision Therapy: Customized training to teach your eyes to work together
Prism Glasses: Special lenses that correct for the combined vision created by both eyes
Patching: Patching of the stronger eye to build up the weaker ignored eye
3D games and virtual patching, some products allow for virtual patching where the 3D goggles favor one eye over the other thereby strengthening the weaker eye.

What Is Vision Therapy?

You may have heard that Vision Therapy is effective at treating Convergence Insufficiency, but you are probably wondering, what is Vision Therapy?

Vision Therapy is a highly specialized treatment performed by eye doctors and trained technicians.
Vision Therapy usually lasts 6 months to a year, but may last longer.
Vision Therapy is designed to train the brain and the eyes to work together using customized exercises and games.
Vision Therapy is has years of scientific evidence backing its efficacy, and our experience shows dramatic improvements in classroom learning, behavior, self esteem, reading, sports, and much more.

Watch About Convergence Insufficiency

Now it’s your turn to see what

OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US

Dr. Schwartz really cares about slowing down my myopia…

I’ve always had a great experience with Hartsdale Family Eyecare. Dr. Schwartz really cares about slowing down my myopia and she is up-to-date on the latest research relating to myopia. In the past few years, my prescription has stayed relatively the same due to Dr. Schwartz’s use of multifocal contact...

Dr. Schwartz is very friendly and communicative…

Dr. Schwartz is very friendly and communicative, thorough and detail-oriented. My 11-year daughter has been coming to her for two years and Dr. Schwartz has had her on a low-dose atropine eye drops to slow down the progression of myopia. This medication is not yet approved by US Food and...

Dr. Schwartz!!!! Highly recommended!

Myself, my husband and both my daughter (10 yr old) and son (6 yr old) see Dr. Schwartz. My husband and I get prescription glasses from her office, but my daughter is being corrected for myopia (nearsightedness) and is using ortho K lenses (orthokeratology) which she wears at night time...

I highly recommend Dr. Schwartz and the Ortho K option

My son is 14 years old and has been wearing the Ortho K contacts for over a year now. He is seeing better than 20/20 and is very happy with the results. He loves the fact that he doesn’t have to worry about contacts while he is playing his sports...

- Marlo Hunter

Everyone is so attentive and amazing…

My daughter is getting ortho-k treatment with Dr. Arlene and I can’t tell you enough how this treatment has been life-changing for my daughter. Dr. Arlene is the sweetest and very informative. She explains every step and makes sure her sight is at 100 percent. I love the office too!...

I waited for 3 months to write this review…

It's been 3 months since my daughter became Dr. Schwartz's patient. I waited for 3 months to write this review to make sure that Dr. Schwartz is up to the 5-star rating. Now I'm confident that she is a 5-star doctor! My daughter's eyesight got worse over the last 15...

Dr. Schwartz takes her job very seriously and never lets anyone leave unhappy…

Words can not express how I feel about Dr. Schwartz and her staff. They are so kind and friendly in that office and make you feel as if you are apart of a family when you are in the office. I found Dr. Schwartz by doing some research on Doctor's...

I highly recommend Dr. Schwartz and the Hartsdale Family Eyecare…

My name is Alberta and I have Keratoconus in both eyes. I was introduced to scleral lens last year and they were life-changing. I had cross-linking in both eyes and found I was no longer getting good vision from my scleral lens. I also relocated from FL to NY. I...

I’m so grateful to Dr. Schwartz and her team for helping me to see again…

I’m so grateful to Dr. Schwartz and her team for helping me to see again! I recently got the corneal crosslinking procedure done for my keratoconus and was finally approved to get contacts. I’ve had specialty lenses for keratoconus before, but Dr. Schwartz recommended scleral lenses. After a couple of...

I’ve seen my share of eye doctors over the years…

I've seen my share of eye doctors over the years and Dr. Schwartz is one of the best. She's professional, personable, up-to-date on the latest techniques, and really goes that extra mile to make sure you're happy with your sight. I came to her six months ago for scleral lenses...

I have very complicated eyes…

I have very complicated eyes. I was hopeful, but not convinced, that I would be able to wear contacts. Due to Dr. Schwartz's knowledge, expertise and perseverance, I am now the proud owner of extremely comfortable lenses that bring my world into perfect focus. Working with Dr. Schwartz, a very...

I have been dealing with keratoconus for almost 20 years…

I have been dealing with keratoconus (a form of corneal degeneration) for almost 20 years. When I came to see Dr. Schwartz in January 2017 I was resigned to the reality of struggling with custom GP contact lenses that caused occasional painful corneal abrasions. She suggested that we try scleral...

I have been a patient of Dr. Arlene Schwartz since 2016…

I have been a patient of Dr. Arlene Schwartz since 2016. I have an eye condition called Keratoconus which required me, after 50 years, to change from a traditional hard contact lens to scleral lenses. While my vision will never be perfect without cornea transplants, Dr. Schwartz has come very...

I had a horrific injury to my left eye…

I had a horrific injury to my left eye. Doctor Schwartz was recommended to fit me with contact lenses, especially for the left eye. Her chair-side manner is exceptional because my left eye had very little vision. It wasn't easy to get a vision for the eye but Doctor Schwartz...

- James C. Nicholson

My vision was severely impaired driving at night…

I developed a scar on my cornea. My vision was severely impaired driving at night. Laser surgery was out of the question because my cornea was too thin. Thank goodness for Dr. Schwartz and her specialized contact lenses. She was my last hope. She was meticulous in fitting the exact...

I highly recommend going to Hartsdale Family Eyecare…

I came to Hartsdale Family Eyecare for the first time in 2014, after 10+ years of contact lens issues from other doctors, I had tried every brand out there. Dr. Schwartz fit me for new lenses and took the time to work with me until we found the perfect brand,...

Thanks to Dr. Schwartz and her knowledgable staff…

I am so pleased with the attention and care that Dr. Schwartz has given me every time that I visited her practice. As a sclera lens wearer, I can honestly say I am not an easy fit. Thanks to Dr. Schwartz and her knowledgable staff, I have avoided cornea transplant...

Hartsdale Family Eyecare provides outstanding care…

Hartsdale Family Eyecare provides outstanding care that is comprehensive and unlike other eye doctors. While patients can choose their eye providers, they should take serious consideration to go to this office. Hartsdale Family Eyecare has modern technology to diagnose and manage eye care needs. Dr. Schwartz is well known for...

For over a year, my kid had struggled with vision problems…

For over a year, my kid had struggled with vision problems and tried almost everything, none of them worked. Finally, we were referred to Dr. Schwartz by a friend. She accurately diagnosed the condition as Keratoconus at the first office visit and prescribed Scleral contact lenses. The result is great...

Dr. Schwartz is one of the most dedicated and caring eyecare professionals in the area…

Dr. Schwartz is one of the most dedicated and caring eye care professionals in the area. She even made sure to check in on my condition while she was on vacation. After dealing with a complicated condition for years, Dr. Schwartz helped fit me with a scleral lens which finally...

Dr. Schwartz is extremely knowledgeable and thorough…

Dr. Schwartz is extremely knowledgeable and thorough. I have a condition of the cornea that can be challenging to fit contact lenses and requires a skilled, patient and understanding doctor. Dr. Schwartz is all of the above and then some. The personnel in the office are professional, courteous and inviting...

Dr. Arlene is an absolutely phenomenal scleral lens specialist for keratoconus…

Dr. Arlene is an absolutely phenomenal scleral lens specialist for keratoconus. Her expertise exceeds the average and her team exhibits very good customer service skills and human kindness. She is also the most convenient scleral lens specialist in Westchester County. A good family feel is a big plus....

I’ve worked with many many doctors and specialists…

As a long-time sufferer of keratoconus, I’ve worked with many many doctors and specialists... Dr. Schwartz’s care, knowledge, compassion, and professionalism is unmatched. Dr. Schwartz’s obvious specialized knowledge and experience with eye disease and scleral lens products have made a significant positive impact on making my day-to-day life much less...

Amazing eye care!

Amazing eye care! The staff is friendly and personable. Dr. Schwartz is exceedingly patient and willing to go the extra mile to be sure you can see your best. The perfect doc for keratoconus patients seeking to see clearly!!...

Always perfect, love you, your people and thoro…

Always perfect, love you, your people and thoroughness of the examination..... Kathy Abrahamson...

- Kathleen A.

Had to see Dr. Schwartz for an illness visit, t…

Had to see Dr. Schwartz for an illness visit, the staff fit me in, got seen by MD, got my prescription sent in and was able to pick up my medication on the way home. Always happy with the treatment from the entire staff at Hartsdale Family Eyecare....

- Linda W.

Good, friendly Doctor.

Come for my daughter's near sight problem. Treated with hard contact lens, improved dramatically. Very friendly, professional. Would recommend....

- Carla H.

David O.

Superb! I was referred to Dr. Schwartz by my personal opthomologist some 10 years ago. I had congenital cataracts, removed atv6 months. I have been wearing contacts for many years. Various problems all along - until my referralmtonDr. Schwartz. She and staff are excellent to address my problems. I highly...

- David O.

Debbie P.

This was my first visit with Dr Schwartz and I was very pleased with the doctor as well as her staff. They are a very caring office and they make you feel comfortable immediately . I found that the doctor went above and beyond in helping me with my issue...

- Debbie P.

Leila A.

My son received the most comprehensive thorough eye exam. It was a comfortable environment. We discovered that some learning disabilities might be coming from his vision and Dr. Schwartz put together a plan for him that we have already started working on. Thank you to everyone at Hartsdale family eye....

- Leila A.

Stacy L.

This was my first visit with Dr Schwartz and I was very pleased. The staff were very welcoming and very attentive. Dr. Schwartz answered all of my questions about my vision and more! I am going to recommend Dr Schwartz to everyone I know! Thank you Dr. Schwartz ~ Stacy...

- Stacy L.

Nikki T.

Dr. Schwartz and all of her staff are friendly and professional. Unlike some of the larger medical offices, this office is cozy and you don't feel like you're being rushed or overlooked. Everyone is so helpful. Dr. Schwartz performs all of the latest tests to ensure your eye health is...

- Nikki T.

ana reis

Dr. Schwartz was recommended to me by a friend. I went to the office with severe dry eyes in just a few visits and new treatment my eyes got so much better I highly recommend Dr. Schwartz not only her but her staff. They are professional caring personal. Thank you...

- ana reis

Peggy S

I have been seeing Dr. Schwartz for too many years to count and even though I moved to a different county, still continue to see her. The care is first rate, the office staff helpful and professional (especially Lori who is amazing at choosing glasses that suit your face). Excellent...

- Peggy S

Bob Blau

My annual eye exam was quite thorough, not rushed, and a most pleasant experience. In addition my questions were answered in a caring way. The glasses fitting process was extremely competent and most personal....

- Bob Blau

Jordan Goodman

Dr.Schwartz really cares about making your vision the best it can be.She uses all the latest technology to diagnose your situation and then proposes several therapies to help you improve your eyesight. In my case, she prescribed Omega 3 supplements, tweaked my eyeglasses prescription, and prescribed Xiidra for a dry...

- Jordan Goodman

Best Experience I Have Ever Had.

Dr.Arlene Schwartz was able to fit my contacts perfectly. In the past other Optometrist have not been able to correct my poor vision perfectly. I had a difficult time. Dr. Schwartz was very knowledgeable about the different types of contacts and tried many brands to find the my "perfect fit...

- Laura Fassacesia, RDH, BSDH

The Staff Are Very Welcoming

- Stacy L.

This is a Top Notch Outfit.

This is a top notch outfit. I live in Houston, TX but have been spending a lot of time in the Hartsdale, NY area. I am SO happy I stumbled upon Hartsdale Family Eyecare. The customer service is second to none. Thanks Dr. Schwartz, Lori, Kelly and Reese!...

- Kathy Logan

The Staff is Very Tentative

The staff is very tentative and Dr was very knowledgeable and she takes her time and explain things. Very down to earth dr. I already made an appointment for my son. Thank you for researching my situation and putting my mind at ease....

- Aisha Jallow

Professional Office with a Lovely Staff.

I have been a patient of Dr. Schwartz for many many years and will not go anywhere else. It is a very professional office with a lovely staff. Many glasses to choose from and they are all very experienced. Thank You!...

- Mary Ann Alianiello Campanella

Caring and Professional

Dr. Schwartz and her staff are caring and professional. I am a very analytical physician familiar with ophthalmological diseases, and found Dr. Schwartz extremely knowledgeable and thorough in her assessment of the problem for which I saw her. She has an assortment of state of the art diagnostic equipment at...

- Steven Weinstein

I Don’t Ever Want to Go Anywhere Else!

I have been going here for years and I don't ever want to go anywhere else! Everyone is always so lovely and it's such a pleasure catching up. Never a long wait, they take very good care of you, and they have an AMAZING choice of glasses. They can always...

- Emma Rivkah Jerome

I would recommend Dr. Schwartz.

Dr, Schwartz and her team are great. I have a cornea condition which requires special scleral contact lenses. Dr. Schwartz was able to fit me with lenses that are extremely comfortable. I especially appreciate the fact I no longer have to travel to NYC for this fitting each year. I...

- November 2016 - NY

I am going to recommend Dr Schwartz to everyone I know!

- May 2016 - NY

Thank You!

- May 2016 - NY

Thank you for the good service!

I visited Hartsdale Family Eyecare for the first time today for the routine vision check. Even before going in for the appointment, I had a good feeling about this practice because of the appointment reminder system they have. I got a reminder text the day before and also an hour...

- June 2016 - NY

Many glasses to choose from and they are all very experienced.

- March 2016 - NY

I would recommend Hartsdale Family Eyecare to anyone.

- April 2016 - NY

Thank you for restoring my vision to the best it has ever been!

- February 2016 - NY

I strongly recommend Hartsdale Family Eyecare!

I recently got new eyeglasses and contact lenses from Dr. Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz and her staff were very professional. Dr. Schwartz was very thorough with my ophthalmic exam. She was also very knowledgeable in providing options of contact lenses and helping me decide the best choice for me. Furthermore, when...

- January 2016

I am SO happy I stumbled upon Hartsdale Family Eyecare.

- December 2015 - TX

I would never go to any other eye doctor.

Arlene Schwartz is one in a million! She goes beyond what is required and often diagnoses problems that no one else has detected. Besides being an amazing diagnostician, she cares deeply about her patients and will not rest until she has the best solution for each and every one. When...

- April 2015 - NY

I am very happy to have switched doctors and come here!

I am relatively new to Westchester and was unhappy with my last eye doctor experience. But Dr. Schwartz addressed my allergy problems thoroughly and gave me new recommendations for glasses and contact lens use. I am very happy to have switched doctors and come here!...

- September 2015 - NY

Even though I’m not in this area for most of the year I wait to come back!

Very thorough exam. Even though I'm not in this area for most of the year I wait to come back, knowing I'll get quality care!...

- October 2015

Schedule An Appointment

Call Us At 914-902-5079