The common misconception is that seeing clearly is a sign of good vision. The truth is that children can experience vision-related problems and yet have 20/20 vision. When visual skills fail to develop, they may lead to vision challenges. 

Reading a sentence or tracking a ball in motion requires good visual skills and learning these skills may happen at any age through customized vision therapy. Continue reading to help you find out whether your child is a candidate for vision therapy. 
 

Understanding Vision Therapy

Vision therapy is training for the visual system, namely the brain and eyes. It helps improve the way the eyes work together with the brain and helps promote clear and comfortable vision. 

The therapy begins with an eye exam to test depth perception, visual acuity, and visual skills. It also examines how the eyes work together (eye teaming skills). If the exam identifies problem areas, a customized treatment plan can then be created to suit the child’s specific needs. 
 

How Vision Therapy Works

Vision therapy is effective for improving binocular vision skills. Therapists use progressive exercises or procedures to help patients recover or develop standard visual skills. Vision therapy is specific to each patient. 

A personalized treatment program includes interactive activities, exercises, and other treatment solutions such as eyeglasses or surgery. The sessions usually last 30 to 45 minutes, guided and monitored by a trained professional. The program also includes at-home exercises to reinforce the therapy.
 

Candidates for Vision Therapy

Vision therapy can treat various vision conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia, eye teaming, and eye tracking. The therapy also helps treat traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussions. Signs that your child may require vision therapy include repeating or skipping lines when reading, poor comprehension, or omitting some words. 

Others are reading below grade level, avoiding reading, having difficulty paying attention, poor handwriting, and having daily headaches. Some children diagnosed with dyslexia or ADHD can benefit from vision therapy.
 

Vision Therapy and Visual Skills

Vision therapy helps improve various visual skills. They include:

• Visual acuity

• Eye teaming skills

• Convergence

• Eye tracking

• Depth perception

• Focusing skills

• 3D (stereopsis) binocular fusion

• Hand-eye coordination

• Visual memory

• Visual processing

• Visual-motor integration
   

Benefits of Vision Therapy

Vision therapy is a nonsurgical, noninvasive treatment that helps improve various eye issues that are common in kids. Children can learn easily, which helps ensure successful vision therapy. Learning new skills usually happens quickly during the painless process of therapy that strengthens weak eye muscles and can help children avoid surgery

Many children struggle with learning, reading, and other activities due to vision problems. If your child has poor visual skills, it can lead to learning and behavior problems. It can affect classroom and sporting activities, affecting the child’s overall life. When the eyes fail to work together effectively, it can lead to headaches and other vision issues. 

For more on whether your child is a candidate for vision therapy, visit Veo Vision Therapy at our office in Wichita, Kansas. Call us at (316) 999-4100 to schedule an appointment today.