Determining if Your Child Requires Vision Therapy

Vision is critical to a child’s development and the overall learning process. But have you ever wondered whether your child would benefit from vision therapy? Understanding its significance for your child’s eye health can help you make the right decisions. With the right knowledge, you can play an instrumental role in supporting your child’s visual development and performance.

The Basics of Vision Therapy

Vision therapy is a specialized treatment program designed to correct specific vision problems and improve visual skills. The treatment aims to teach the visual system to correct itself. It’s different from eyeglasses or scleral lenses, which merely compensate for vision problems. Unlike eye surgery, vision therapy does not alter the anatomy of the eye.

The therapy can help address various visual issues, such as lazy eye (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus) or double vision. It can also help with eye movement disorders and focusing disorders. Vision therapy is not just for children either. It can also benefit adults who have lost some of their visual skills. 

Recognizing the Need for Vision Therapy

Vision problems can affect how kids learn, play and interact with the world around them. Recognizing when vision training may benefit them can be pivotal to their learning and development. 

Early signs that your child may benefit from vision therapy can vary. Some children may frequently rub their eyes, squint or tilt their heads to see better. Others may complain of headaches or dizziness, especially after reading or other close-up work. 

Difficulty with hand-eye coordination in sports can also indicate a potential vision problem. Challenges with reading can also point toward vision issues. Skipping lines or losing place while reading are common signs.

Changes in academic performance or behavior at school could also signal a vision problem. Your child may struggle to maintain attention, especially during tasks that require visual concentration, like reading or writing. 

They might also avoid activities they once enjoyed, such as drawing or playing specific games. It may be due to tasks becoming visually challenging or straining their eyes. These signs may be more subtle. However, they underscore the critical role of visual health in a child’s overall development and well-being.

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it may be time to consider vision therapy. Remember that these signs don’t necessarily mean your child has a vision problem. Instead, consider them an invitation to explore their visual health. An eye doctor can help guide you in making the right call. 

Invest in Your Child’s Eye Health

Recognizing the possibility of vision problems and acting promptly can make a remarkable difference in your child’s life. For your eye care needs in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, CA, Insight Vision Center Optometry is ready to help. Call us today at (714) 486-3315 or visit our contact page for more information.