8
Jan

Challenges in school are not only stressful for the student and teacher, but many parents worry about their child’s performance and behavior in the classroom. If you have a child that is struggling in school, you might be looking into various behavioral treatments. But, don’t overlook the potential benefits that can come from Vision Therapy.

Many times, class disruption, poor behavior, or academic difficulties can be solved with a simple solution. The child might have a vision problem that is affecting their ability to learn. Addressing the student’s vision can have a positive impact in helping them thrive in the classroom.

Vision Therapy: When Is It Needed?

Have you noticed any of these symptoms in your child?

• The child is smart, but is achieving low grades and failing scores
• The child has a difficult time focusing
• The child’s behavior is disruptive to the rest of the class
• The child has 20/20 vision, but complains about headaches when reading or doing homework

If any of these signs ring true with your child, then don’t underestimate the value of scheduling an exam with an optometrist who is familiar with vision therapy. Even though these services aren’t widely known, they can be quite effective in helping children with both learning and behavioral issues.

Most parents are only familiar with vision problems that require corrective lenses. But there are other concerns that are beyond visual acuity (20/20 vision). These issues can’t be uncovered through a general school screening or basic eye exam.

How Does Vision Therapy Help?

Vision Therapy treatment involves specific eye exercises that help to retrain the eyes and brain to communicate better. Most general eye exams check eyesight without considering a neuro-visual assessment to examine details such as whether the eyes are pointing at the same thing or how the eyes are focusing together.

Researchers have found that Vision Therapy can be helpful for children with common behavioral and learning issues often experienced in the modern classroom, such as ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities. The theory is that if the child’s eyes aren’t focusing properly, then it has a domino effect on attention, reading abilities, focus, grades, and behavior.

While Vision Therapy isn’t an official treatment for specific concerns, there are undeniable benefits that come through exercises that support an underdeveloped visual system. Treating visual problems often has a direct, positive impact in reducing problematic behavioral and learning problems.

For more information, contact our team at our Murrieta office: (951) 600-9226, or our Temecula office: (951) 302-1331.