{"id":17682,"date":"2021-09-22T08:51:51","date_gmt":"2021-09-22T08:51:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=17682"},"modified":"2021-11-04T09:03:00","modified_gmt":"2021-11-04T09:03:00","slug":"10-signs-my-child-needs-vision-therapy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/vision-therapy\/guide-to-vision-therapy\/what-is-vision-therapy\/10-signs-my-child-needs-vision-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Signs Your Child Needs Vision Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over 25% of children have an undetected vision problem that affects their academic success and athletic performance.<\/b><\/h2>\n

A diagnosis of a vision problem doesn\u2019t necessarily mean eyeglasses are the only solution.<\/p>\n

While many parents, teachers and children may know the signs of a distance vision problem<\/a>\u2014 squinting to see the board, difficulty copying from the board, sitting close to a TV, etc.\u2014 it isn\u2019t that easy to detect a visual problem that requires vision therapy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When studies report that 25 percent of children have a vision problem, they aren\u2019t referring to visual acuity problems that can be corrected with eyewear, rather a vision problem known as a visual dysfunction<\/i>.<\/p>\n

What is visual dysfunction?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Visual dysfunction is characterized by a vision problem that affects how well the eyes work together as a team.<\/b><\/p>\n

The eye needs to work as a team in order to\u00a0 track across a page, keep clear focus, perceive depth, and complete the other essential visual skills<\/a> necessary for success both inside and outside the classroom.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, school vision screenings<\/a> don\u2019t test for these visual skills, leaving many children undiagnosed for years.<\/p>\n

Since 80 percent of learning comes through the visual system, understanding the signs of a vision problem can improve the way your child learns \u2014 preventing years of struggle, low self esteem<\/a> and behavioral problems<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Now what are the signs of a vision problem\u2014 or should we say, visual dysfunction?<\/p>\n

10 signs that your child needs vision therapy<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you answer yes to at least one of these questions, bring your child for a comprehensive vision evaluation to determine if vision therapy can treat their vision problem.<\/p>\n

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  1. Does your child complain of frequent headaches or eye pain?<\/li>\n
  2. Does your child report that words on a page appear blurred, doubled or floating?<\/li>\n
  3. Is your child reading below grade level?<\/li>\n
  4. Does your child struggle to read fluently, skip lines or words of text, or have difficulty understanding text?<\/li>\n
  5. Does your child close one eye or tilt their head while reading?<\/li>\n
  6. Does your child struggle to pay attention during class?<\/li>\n
  7. Does your child appear clumsy or have difficulty keeping up with their peers during sports activities?<\/li>\n
  8. Does your child have difficulty maintaining balance?<\/li>\n
  9. Does your child misjudge distances while moving in space, often bumping into objects or people?<\/li>\n
  10. Does your child appear crossed-eyed (regularly or when they are sick or tired)?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you have answered \u2018yes\u2019 to any of the questions above, make an appointment with a developmental optometrist near you<\/a> <\/b>who is trained and experienced in providing vision therapy.<\/p>\n

    SEE RELATED: <\/b>Vision Therapy: What is the Time Commitment?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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    Find a Vision Therapy Eye Doctor Near You<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t
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