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Dementia and Your Loved One
Vision Therapy For Reading Problems
Vickie Armstrong
Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects reading and spelling skills. It is caused by differences in how the brain processes language, not by vision problems. However, some people with dyslexia may also have vision problems that can make reading more difficult, such as convergence insufficiency (CI), lazy eye (amblyopia), or farsightedness.
Here is a bit of information about vision therapy and how it can help with some reading problems.
What Is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is a type of eye training that uses eye exercises to improve visual efficiency and processing. It is intended to help with vision problems or disorders that can affect reading and learning, such as CI.
CI is a vision disorder in which the eyes do not work together easily. It can result in trouble with focusing, eye strain, headaches, double vision, or blurred vision.
Vision therapy starts with a complete eye exam that tests factors like the alignment, movement, and coordination of the eyes. Additionally, visual acuity is tested. After the eye exam, a vision therapy plan is created that may include the following activities:
- Using a patch over one eye during portions of the therapy
- Viewing materials through a prism
- Doing letter-finding puzzles
- Wearing glasses with tinted lenses or placing a tinted transparent covering over reading material
Vision therapy sessions usually last about an hour and may take place a couple of times a week. Depending on the person's issues, therapy may be recommended for several months or more. The therapist may also prescribe eye exercises that can be done at home with supervision.
How Can Vision Therapy Help With Some Reading Problems?
Vision therapy can help with some vision problems that can affect reading and learning by improving visual skills such as:
- Eye focusing, which is the ability to change focus quickly and accurately from near to far and vice versa.
- Eye tracking, which is the ability to follow a moving object or a line of text smoothly and accurately.
- Eye teaming, which is the ability to use both eyes together as a coordinated unit.
- Visual perception, which is the ability to recognize, interpret and remember what is seen.
By improving these visual skills, vision therapy can make reading more comfortable and efficient for some people with vision problems. It can also reduce symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, fatigue, or frustration.
Contact a professional for more information about vision therapy.
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