The Connection Between Vision Therapy and Academic Success

Parents often worry about their child's academic performance and may seek ways to support their success in school. Many people do not realize the benefits of vision therapy. Investigating the connection between vision therapy and academic success can be helpful. This is because vision problems can hinder learning and influence academic performance.
 

What Is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a specialized eye care. It can help treat common vision problems like:
 

• Lazy eye (amblyopia)
• Convergence insufficiency (inability to maintain focus on near objects)
• Eye tracking and teaming issues.
• Poor eye coordination.
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Vision therapy involves weekly in-office visits combined with home exercises and activities under a developmental optometrist's guidance. These activities aim to strengthen eye muscles, enhance focus, and rectify vision issues. A regular program may include various exercises and technology.
 

The Link Between Vision Skills and Learning

Strong visual abilities are crucial for students to excel in school. They impact reading, writing, comprehension, attention, and various other learning aspects. Here are some critical links between vision and academics:
 

Reading

About 80% of classroom learning is visual. Students who struggle to coordinate their eyes or track lines of text find it hard to read. Vision therapy can help improve reading skills.
 

Attention

Children need good vision and the ability to use both eyes to focus on tasks like reading and writing. Students with convergence problems often struggle to pay attention in class.
 

Comprehension

Strong visual processing skills are necessary to understand and retain information. A visual processing disorder can make it hard for students to comprehend what they read. This will affect their academic success.
 

Handwriting

Eye-hand coordination is essential for proper letter and number formation. Students with sloppy handwriting may have an underlying vision issue.
 

Testing

Standardized tests and finals have a significant visual component. Weak visual skills can impact test-taking ability and performance.
 

The Benefits of Vision Therapy for Academic Performance

Research shows that vision therapy can improve students' academic achievement. Some significant benefits include:
 

• This therapy accelerates reading fluency, speed, and comprehension.
• Students read faster with fewer errors and improved understanding.
• Students are able to focus on classroom tasks for longer periods.
• Vision therapy raises standardized test scores by one or two grade levels on average.
• Students completing vision therapy often see better grades across subjects. 
• As academic performance improves, students feel more confident and self-assured. 
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If your child has a hard time in school, check their eyes. An eye doctor can test for visual deficits that may hold your child back. Even if your child is older, it is never too late to evaluate their vision and pursue options to improve their vision.
 

Bottom Line

Sharpening visual skills paves the way for success in school. Vision therapy is a tested treatment that improves vision and improves learning outcomes. If your child is underperforming, consider potential vision deficits. Vision therapy can help them gain the visual edge to excel in the classroom and beyond.
 

For more on vision therapy, visit Zenith Vision Development Center at our office in Duluth, Minnesota. Call (218) 249-0685 to schedule an appointment today. 
 

Sources:

https://www.optometrists.org/vision-therapy/guide-to-vision-therapy/what-is-vision-therapy/   

https://www.allaboutvision.com/parents/vision_therapy.htm