There is more to vision than the ability to see 20/20. The eyes must work together as a team, easily switch from viewing up close to viewing in the distance, and analyze what is seen. Vision directs not only eye-hand coordination, and fine motor skills but also gross motor skills, visual analysis and depth perception. Many attention, behavioral, and educational issues can be traced to inefficient use of the eyes. When the eyes are not able to function effectively the brain must exert tremendous effort just to see. 

Vision therapy actively trains the brain to use the eyes differently, to resolve eye deficiencies such as irregular eye movement, inefficient focusing, convergence insufficiency, double vision, and is also effective for lazy eye and eye turns. It’s a non-invasive way to resolve common issues such as headaches, eye strain, reading difficulties, poor comprehension, attention problems and even mood swings.

1. Headaches 

Eye Teaming relates to the ability of the two eyes to direct and aim at the same point in space. Problems with eye teaming can result in double vision, headaches, eye fatigue, visual confusion and poor spelling. If the eyes strain to produce a coherent picture, it puts painful stress on the optic nerve. The resulting headaches won’t be as strong as migraines, but are sure to distract. Vision therapy can train the eyes to work together, easing the headaches.

2. Poor Reading Comprehension

Reading Efficiency relates to the ability to move the two eyes smoothly from one word to the next while reading, and understand what has been read. If eye movements are slow or clumsy, if the eyes jump, “stutter" or lose their place on instructional materials it may result in loss of place while reading, skipping lines and re-reading sentences. Hand eye coordination, including handwriting can also be affected.

3. Attention Problems

Accommodation relates to the ability to bring objects into clear focus at different distances, and the ease and speed with which the eyes are able to change points of focus. Focusing problems can result in blurred vision, headaches, slower processing speed, and difficulty with details or small words, and attention spans.

4. Mood Swings

If your child has frequent mood swings, it could be an indicator of a vision issue. Poor vision and difficulty concentrating can cause constant stress. The frustration of not being able to do what others can do lowers self image and may contribute to emotional changes. Vision challenges are often accompanied by headaches, which don’t help either. You might discover that a need for vision therapy is the root cause.

Be sure to consider vision therapy as you search for answers in diagnosing attention or learning disabilities.

Hear what Developmental Optometrists across the US are saying.

Vision therapy helps children and adults get back on track and stay there. There is a solution! Don’t put if off any longer. EyeOptics Optometry Center in Elk Grove, CA, offers free vision screenings (no appointment necessary) to see if there might be a vision challenge which requires further evaluation. Call them at (916) 684-6688 or visit their website for more information.