When you think about eye care, glasses or contacts probably come to mind first. Sometimes, however, our eyes need a different kind of support to work their best. Vision therapy is a personalized program of exercises that helps your eyes and brain work together more effectively.
The right time for vision therapy is when it can help improve your comfort, function, and quality of life. Whether it’s for a child who struggles with reading or an adult with eye strain from computer use, the focus should be a person’s visual needs.
Vision Therapy for Children & Teens
Childhood is a critical period for visual development, as the skills needed for school and play are formed during these years. Vision therapy can prove helpful when children show signs of certain vision problems that glasses alone can’t correct.
Signs Your Child Might Need Visual Support
Some vision challenges can look like learning or behavioral issues. Signs that vision therapy might be helpful include:
- Frequent squinting or eye rubbing
- Headaches or eye strain, especially after school
- Avoidance of reading or other close-up work
- Losing their place while reading
- Trouble with hand-eye coordination in sports
How Therapy Helps a Child’s Vision
Vision therapy can help train a child’s eyes to focus, move, and work together as a team. This can make visual tasks like reading and writing much easier and more comfortable.
Vision Therapy for Adults
Vision therapy isn’t just for kids. Adults can also benefit from programs designed to improve visual skills, comfort, and efficiency. From the office to everyday life, better vision function can make a noticeable difference to quality of life.
Relief for Digital Eye Strain
Many of us spend hours a day looking at computers and digital devices. This can lead to symptoms of digital eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision. Vision therapy offers exercises to help your eyes cope with the demands of screen time, which can make your workday more comfortable.
Support After a Brain Injury
In some cases, vision can be affected by a head injury such as a concussion. When this happens, vision therapy can be a part of the rehabilitation process, as it helps re-establish the connection between the brain and the eyes to improve function and focus.
Age & Therapy Results
While there isn’t one perfect age for vision therapy, timing can influence the goals of the program. Early action is often helpful for children with developmental vision problems. Motivated adults can also see great improvements in their visual abilities.
The Benefit of Early Action
For children, addressing vision issues early can have a big impact on their ability to learn and engage in school. Since vision is so closely linked to learning, therapy during these developmental years can help set a child up for academic success.
Motivation & Commitment Matter Most
For teens and adults, the outcome of vision therapy often depends on their commitment to the program. This is because the exercises involved require active participation. A person who is dedicated to the process is more likely to achieve their visual goals, no matter their age.
What to Expect from a Vision Therapy Program
A vision therapy program is a personalized process. It begins with a thorough evaluation of your visual system. From there, a series of exercises is created to address your visual needs and goals.
The First Step is a Full Eye Exam
Before any therapy begins, a comprehensive vision evaluation is needed. As your eye doctor in Wichita, KS, we will assess much more than just your ability to see letters on a chart. We check how your eyes focus, track, and work together to determine if vision therapy is a suitable option for you.
A Custom Plan for Your Needs
If we recommend vision therapy, we’ll develop a program based on your visual needs. It will include a mix of in-office sessions and at-home exercises designed to build and strengthen your visual skills over time.
Lifestyle Habits that Support Your Vision
In addition to a formal therapy program, simple daily habits can help protect your eyes and reduce strain. Here’s what we suggest:
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
When you use digital screens, remember to take regular breaks. Follow the 20-20-20 rule—you should look at something at least 20 feet away for a full 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This gives your eyes a much-needed rest from close-up work.
Spend More Time Outdoors
Time spent outdoors can be beneficial for eyesight, especially for children. It’s also a great way to give the focusing muscles a break.
Use Good Light for Tasks
Make sure you have proper lighting when you read, work, or do other close-up tasks. Good lighting can help reduce eye strain and make visual work more comfortable.
Vision therapy is a tool that can help people of all ages achieve clearer, more comfortable vision. It’s about finding the right support for your individual needs, whenever they arise. Your visual health is an important part of your overall well-being.
If you or a family member is experiencing visual difficulties, we’re here to help. Our team at The Eye Gallery team is dedicated to providing you and your family with compassionate and reliable eye care. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our eye doctors in Wichita to explore your options.
