Signs You or Your Child May Benefit from Vision Therapy
Some signs are pretty clear.
However, the signs of a struggling visual system often are not.
If we are talking about you, and not your child, it may be easier to see the signs. Perhaps you have frequent headaches, occasional double vision, or words or computer data seem to jump around on the page or screen. But, have you considered more subtle signs:
-
Difficulty concentrating
-
Avoidance of reading
-
Trouble parking your car
If, however, you have concerns about your child, there are signs often missed by parents.
-
Difficulty in school despite passing an eye screening
-
Covering one eye when reading
-
Avoidance of school work
-
Poor grades despite seeming very intelligent
-
Failing exams on paper, but verbalizing the answers
-
Behavior problems
-
Lack of interest in sports or riding a bike
-
Tears and fights over homework
My daughter, Jillian, had undiagnosed vision problems despite passing three vision screenings in pre-school and at her pediatrician's office. She wrote this at age 10, after completing vision therapy:
"If your child has trouble with handwriting, cutting with scissors, tying their shoes, catching balls or doing word search puzzles, don't worry! There are people who can help."
Find a vision therapy provider near you using the Vivid Vision Provider Locator!
I have seen people of all ages find success with vision therapy for a wide variety of concerns. Perhaps you are an adult who was told there was a limited window in childhood to correct a lazy eye. You may assume surgery is the only treatment for eyes that turn inward or outward. You might not know vision therapy can address vision problems resulting from a traumatic brain injury or stroke.
I have met adults who, as teenagers, were labeled as ADD/ADHD when they had a correctable vision issue called Convergence Insufficiency. I have talked to professional athletes who found vision therapy helped in concussion recovery or in challenges found in playing the sport.
I know vision therapy works. My own daughter's life was changed thanks to vision therapy. So, look for the signs. Ask your optometrist for information and click on the links below for more information.
- Robin Benoit
Welcome our guest blogger, Mrs. Robin Benoit, to share some insight from her own experience about what to look for that may indicate you or your child could benefit from vision therapy. Mrs. Benoit is a mother and the author of Jillian’s Story: How Vision Therapy Changed My Daughter’s Life and Dear Jillian: Vision Therapy Changed My Life Too. Robin and Jillian Benoit have shared their story at colleges of optometry and to optometrists and vision therapists around the world in an effort to spread awareness about vision therapy. |
Find a Provider vision therapy faq symptoms double vision diplopia convergence insufficiency add adhd jillians story vision problems lazy eye amblyopia