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Vision Therapy for Children: Improving Visual Skills and Learning

Is your child struggling with reading or experiencing eye fatigue? Vision therapy can make a significant difference.

Vision therapy is a specialized program designed to enhance visual skills and coordination in children.

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What Is Vision Therapy?

Girl RUbbing eyes studying on laptop

Vision therapy is a customized treatment program to improve visual skills and coordination. This type of therapy treats a variety of vision problems in children, including:

  • Myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Hyperopia (farsightedness)
  • Astigmatism
  • Amblyopia (lazy eye )
  • Convergence insufficiency
  • Convertibility insufficiency
  • Visual processing disorders
Read More about Improving Your Child's Reading

Why Do Children Need Vision Therapy?

Children may need vision therapy if they are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Difficulty reading
  • Headaches
  • Eye fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Double vision
  • Poor eye coordination
  • Avoiding activities that require close vision
  • Rubbing eyes frequently
  • Difficulty tracking moving objects

If your child is experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with us is important. Dr. Lorelei Zeiler will be able to assess your child's vision and determine if vision therapy is the right treatment for them.

boy struggling to read

What Are the Benefits of Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy can provide several benefits for children, including:

  • Improved reading skills
  • Reduced headaches and eye fatigue
  • Clearer vision
  • Better eye coordination
  • Enhanced attention and focus
  • Improved academic performance
  • Increased self-confidence
Dr. Lorelei Zeiler O.D.

Dr. Lorelei Zeiler O.D.

How Does Vision Therapy Work?

girl performing eye test

Vision therapy is a customized treatment plan tailored to your child's needs. The treatment plan may include a variety of exercises, lenses, prisms, and other tools.

Vision therapy aims to improve your child's visual skills and coordination.

Some of the common exercises used in vision therapy include:

arrow-down-right arrow-down-right Eye exercises:

Strengthening eye muscles and improving coordination.

arrow-down-right arrow-down-right Visual-motor training:

Enhancing the connection between eyes and hands.

arrow-down-right arrow-down-right Sensory integration:

Integrating visual, auditory, and tactile information.

arrow-down-right arrow-down-right Cognitive retraining:

Improving attention, memory, and processing speed.

How to Get a Diagnosis for Vision Therapy

The first step to getting a diagnosis for vision therapy is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist who specializes in vision therapy. The optometrist will perform a series of tests to assess your child’s vision and visual skills.

Your Child’s Vision Therapy Treatment Plan

Once your child has been diagnosed with a vision problem, Dr. Zeiler will develop a customized treatment plan. The treatment plan may include a variety of exercises, lenses, prisms, and other tools. Vision therapy aims to improve your child’s visual skills and coordination.

medical-plus medical-plus What to Expect During Vision Therapy

Vision therapy sessions typically last 30-60 minutes and are held one to two times weekly. Your child will work with an optometrist or vision therapist to complete the exercises in their treatment plan. Your child needs to practice the exercises at home as well.

medical-plus medical-plus How Long Does Vision Therapy Take?

The length of vision therapy treatment varies depending on the severity of your child's vision problems. Most children see significant improvement within sic to 12 months of treatment.

medical-plus medical-plus Tips for Parents

  • Be supportive and understanding during your child's vision therapy treatment.
  • Encourage your child to practice their exercises at home.
  • Work with your child's optometrist or vision therapist to set realistic goals.
  • Communicate with your child's teacher about their vision problems and any accommodations they need.

Help Your Child Reach Their Potential With Vision Therapy

Contact Dr. Lorelei Zeiler in Caledonia for a functional eye exam, or visit us with your concerns regarding your child’s vision. We’ll be sure to find the best way to treat their visual problems.

young girl playing with a kite in the field

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