By: Dr. Amber Teten – Chesapeake Pediatric Eye Doctor and Vision Therapy Specialist
As a pediatric eye doctor specializing in Vision Therapy, Dr. Teten has seen firsthand the transformative effects of this treatment on children struggling with reading difficulties. Reading is a fundamental skill critical for success in many aspects of life. Unfortunately, some children experience difficulty learning to read for various reasons, such as eye coordination, visual perception, and eye tracking difficulties. These reading difficulties can significantly impact a child’s academic performance, confidence, and overall quality of life. This is where Vision Therapy comes in. Through a customized program of exercises and activities, Vision Therapy can address the root causes of reading difficulties and improve a child’s visual abilities, enabling them to read more fluently and with greater comprehension. Dr. Teten, a Vision Therapy specialist, will explore the many benefits of Vision Therapy for children with reading difficulties, including improved academic performance, enhanced confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision Therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that aims to improve the visual system’s function. It is a customized program of exercises and activities designed to address a wide range of visual issues, including those that may cause reading difficulties in children. Vision Therapy aims to improve eye coordination, eye tracking, and visual perception, ultimately enabling a child to read more fluently and with greater comprehension. The therapy is conducted under Dr. Teten, who specializes in Vision Therapy. Along with Dr. Teten, is qualified therapist will work with the child to identify the root causes of their visual issues and create a personalized program to address these issues. Vision Therapy is an effective treatment option that has helped countless children overcome their reading difficulties and achieve academic success.
The Benefits of Vision Therapy for Children with Reading Difficulties
Improved Eye Tracking
Improved eye tracking is one of the many benefits of Vision Therapy for children with reading difficulties. Eye tracking is the ability of the eyes to follow a line of text from left to right, jump from one line to the next, and return to the beginning of the next line. Children with poor eye-tracking skills may skip lines, lose their place, or struggle with reading fluency. Vision Therapy can help improve eye tracking by training the eyes to move smoothly and accurately across a page.
Through a series of exercises and activities, Vision Therapy can strengthen the muscles that control eye movements and improve the brain’s ability to process visual information. This can lead to improved reading speed and comprehension, making reading a more enjoyable and successful experience for children. Improved eye tracking also has broader implications for a child’s academic performance, as it can improve their ability to follow along with classroom instruction and complete assignments with greater ease. Vision Therapy offers a holistic approach to addressing reading difficulties and improving a child’s overall visual function.
Enhanced Eye Teaming
Eye teaming is the ability of both eyes to work together. Children who struggle with eye teaming may experience double vision, headaches, and eye strain, making reading difficult for extended periods. Vision Therapy can improve eye teaming abilities by using exercises that involve focusing on objects at different distances and directions, such as 3D images or a Brock string.
Improved Focusing Abilities
Focusing abilities are the ability to maintain clear vision at different distances. Children who struggle with focusing abilities may experience blurred vision or difficulty switching between near and far objects, which can make it difficult to read and take notes. Vision Therapy can improve focusing abilities by using exercises that involve changing focus rapidly between near and far objects or using lenses that change focus.
Improved Visual Processing
Visual processing is the ability to make sense of the visual information we receive from the world around us. Children who struggle with visual processing may experience difficulty with visual memory, visual discrimination, and visual-spatial skills, making it difficult to read and understand the text. Vision Therapy can improve visual processing abilities by using exercises that involve identifying shapes, colors, and patterns or using visual aids such as reading guides and colored overlays.
Increased Confidence and Academic Success
Children who struggle with reading difficulties can experience frustration, low self-esteem, and academic setbacks. Vision Therapy can significantly improve a child’s ability to read, write, and learn, leading to increased confidence and academic success. By addressing the underlying vision problems contributing to reading difficulties, Vision Therapy can help children achieve their full potential and reach their educational goals.
Vision Therapy is a highly effective treatment option for children with reading difficulties. Through a customized program of exercises and activities, Vision Therapy can address the root causes of visual issues and improve a child’s visual abilities, enabling them to read more fluently and with greater comprehension. The benefits of Vision Therapy go beyond academic performance; it can also enhance a child’s confidence, social skills, and overall quality of life. It is important to note that early detection and intervention are key to the success of Vision Therapy.
Therefore, if you suspect that your child may have visual issues impacting their reading ability, it is essential to schedule an eye exam with a pediatric eye doctor specializing in Vision Therapy, such as Dr. Teten. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, your child can overcome their reading difficulties and unlock their full potential. Dr. Teten has seen the life-changing effects of this treatment for many of her patients. The team at Navigation Eye Care encourages parents to explore this option for their children and take the first step toward a brighter future.
If you have a child that struggles with reading, your child may benefit from vision therapy. Have your child evaluated by a qualified pediatric eye doctor specializing in vision therapy to determine how your child could benefit from vision therapy. Dr. Teten encourages parents to bring their children in for regular eye and developmental vision exams to ensure their eyes are healthy and their vision is properly developing. Call the Navigation Eye Care team at 757-529-6889 or schedule an appointment online. We are fully equipped and prepared to care for you and your family.
