When a child struggles with schoolwork or everyday activities, it might not always be due to a lack of effort or interest. Instead, undiagnosed vision issues could be the underlying cause. Although glasses can correct vision, they do not always address the full range of visual challenges some children face.
At Chagrin Valley Optometrists, we offer vision therapy services in Chagrin Falls to enhance visual skills beyond what traditional glasses can achieve. This specialized care can be particularly helpful for kids who experience difficulties that affect both their school performance and daily life. Here are ten signs your child may need vision therapy to address their vision needs.
1. Frequent headaches or eye strain
If your child often complains of headaches, especially after reading or doing homework, it could be a sign of eye strain. This discomfort often results from the eyes working too hard to focus.
2. Difficulty reading or avoiding reading altogether
Watch for signs like struggling to read, losing their place, or skipping lines. They might avoid reading because it feels challenging or uncomfortable, and glasses alone might not help.
3. Poor hand-eye coordination
Children with vision problems may have trouble with activities requiring hand-eye coordination, such as catching a ball, writing, or drawing, indicating a need for vision therapy.
4. Short attention span for close work
A short attention span during activities like puzzles or crafts could mean your child is having trouble visually processing these tasks.
5. Frequent squinting or eye rubbing
If your child often squints or rubs their eyes, it might be their way of trying to clear their vision or relieve discomfort from eye strain.
6. Covering one eye
When your child covers one eye to see better, it could be because they are compensating for a vision issue like amblyopia (lazy eye) or convergence insufficiency.
7. Difficulty with schoolwork
If your child struggles with school assignments, especially those involving reading or writing, it might be linked to visual processing issues.
8. Complaints of double vision
Seeing two of everything could be a sign of issues with eye teaming or focusing, which vision therapy can address more effectively than glasses.
9. Poor posture when reading or writing
If your child frequently tilts their head or gets very close to the page, they may be trying to adjust their vision.
10. Behavioral concerns
Sometimes, vision issues manifest as behavioral problems, such as frustration, irritability, or acting out, especially during tasks that require visual focus.
How can vision therapy help?
For children facing the above challenges, vision therapy can be life-changing. It can improve:
- Eye coordination and teaming
- Focus and concentration
- Visual tracking and perception
- Reading fluency and comprehension
- Overall academic performance
Visit Chagrin Valley Optometrists for professional care
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your child, it might be time to consider vision therapy as a potential solution. At Chagrin Valley Optometrists, we offer vision therapy in Chagrin Falls to address these specific challenges, helping children overcome visual obstacles and reach their full potential. Contact us today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about how our vision therapy programs can benefit your child.