Vision therapy is a customized program designed to improve visual skills and treat various vision problems in children. Dr. John Meyers explains how vision therapy works and its benefits for children’s eye health and development.

1. What is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a series of exercises and activities designed to improve the functioning of the eyes and the visual system. It aims to correct vision problems that cannot be treated with glasses or contact lenses alone, such as eye coordination issues, focusing problems, and certain learning-related vision problems.

2. Conditions Treated by Vision Therapy

Vision therapy can help treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Convergence insufficiency (difficulty focusing on close objects)
• Tracking problems (difficulty following moving objects)
• Binocular vision disorders (problems with eye teaming)
• Visual perceptual issues (difficulty processing visual information)

3. How Vision Therapy Works

Vision therapy is typically conducted in-office under the supervision of a trained optometrist. The therapy program is tailored to the specific needs of each child and may include:

• Eye exercises to strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination
• Activities to enhance visual processing and perception
• Use of specialized equipment, such as prisms, lenses, and computer programs
• Home exercises to reinforce the skills learned during in-office sessions

4. Benefits of Vision Therapy

Vision therapy offers several benefits for children, including:

• Improved visual skills: Vision therapy helps develop and enhance essential visual skills, such as eye coordination, focusing, and tracking.
• Better academic performance: Many vision problems can impact a child’s ability to read and learn. Vision therapy can improve reading speed, comprehension, and overall academic performance.
• Enhanced sports performance: Improved visual skills can enhance hand-eye coordination and reaction times, benefiting children involved in sports and other physical activities.
• Increased confidence: Successfully addressing vision problems can boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem, both in and out of the classroom.

5. Duration of Vision Therapy

The duration of vision therapy varies depending on the severity of the vision problem and the child’s progress. Typically, vision therapy programs last several months, with sessions conducted once or twice a week. Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the therapy plan.

6. Is Vision Therapy Right for Your Child?

If your child is experiencing vision problems that affect their daily activities, school performance, or sports participation, vision therapy may be beneficial. Dr. Meyers can conduct a comprehensive eye exam to assess your child’s visual skills and determine if vision therapy is the right option.

Vision therapy is an effective treatment for many vision problems in children, helping them achieve better visual function and overall well-being. For more information or to schedule an evaluation, contact Dr. John Meyers’ office today.

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