Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to read, spell, and write. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. While dyslexia is primarily a neurological disorder, research has shown that visual processing skills can also play a role in the symptoms of dyslexia.
Enter vision therapy, also known as visual training. Vision therapy is a treatment approach that uses a series of eye exercises and activities to improve visual skills and abilities. A vision therapist, also known as a developmental optometrist, will work with an individual to develop and improve visual skills that may be impacting their reading and learning abilities.
One of the main ways that vision therapy can help with dyslexia is by improving visual processing skills. Visual processing skills are the abilities that allow us to understand and interpret what we see. They include skills such as visual memory, visual spatial relationships, and visual tracking. These skills are important for reading and writing, and when they are weak or underdeveloped, they can contribute to the symptoms of dyslexia.
A vision therapist will work with the individual to develop and improve visual processing skills through a variety of activities and exercises, such as eye-tracking exercises, visual memory exercises, and visual motor integration activities. These exercises are designed to strengthen the visual system and help the brain better process and interpret visual information.
Another way that vision therapy can help with dyslexia is by addressing any underlying visual problems such as binocular vision disorders or visual perception issues. These visual problems can make it difficult for the individual to maintain clear and stable vision while reading, which can contribute to the symptoms of dyslexia. Our vision therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying visual problems and develop a treatment plan to address them.
It's important to note that vision therapy should not be considered as a standalone treatment for dyslexia. It is best used in combination with other interventions such as phonological training, and multisensory approach.
In conclusion, vision therapy can be a valuable tool in the treatment of dyslexia. By working with a vision therapist to develop and improve visual processing skills and address any underlying visual problems, individuals with dyslexia may be able to improve their reading and learning abilities. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have dyslexia, it is important to consult with a specialist such as a neuropsychologist, or a reading specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Then, schedule an appointment with with our vision therapist. They will come up with a treatment plan to help improve reading and learning abilities.