As parents, we’re often vigilant about our children’s health, taking them for regular check-ups and ensuring they have all the tools they need to succeed in school. But what happens when a health issue is impacting your child’s ability to read and learn, despite having perfect 20/20 vision? This was exactly the dilemma faced by Jane Varakin of Richmond, Kentucky, when her daughter Eileen began to struggle with reading due to an unexpected visual issue.
The Hidden Problem: Convergence Insufficiency
Jane, a nurse, noticed her second-grade daughter was avoiding reading and complaining about words jumping and doubling on the page. This was puzzling since Eileen had recently passed a standard vision exam. But as Jane researched Eileen’s symptoms, she discovered a condition known as convergence insufficiency—a disorder that prevents the eyes from working together correctly when doing close-up work.
In children with convergence insufficiency, one eye may drift outward instead of focusing with the other. This can lead to double or blurred vision, making reading and other close-up activities difficult and frustrating. For Eileen, her symptoms were not only affecting her academic performance but also her confidence and love of learning.
Vision Therapy: A Solution Close to Home
Jane’s search for answers led her to the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles, where Dr. Rick Graebe, a specialist in pediatric eye care and neuro-optometry, provides a specialized treatment called Vision Therapy. Vision Therapy is a structured program designed to help the eyes work together efficiently, using a combination of visual exercises, physical movements, and light therapy to improve visual skills.
An examination at Dr. Graebe’s office confirmed that Eileen had convergence insufficiency and challenges with depth perception. With this diagnosis, Eileen began a weekly Vision Therapy program that lasted from September through May, with daily at-home exercises that were simple and non-academic.
How Vision Therapy Works
At Dr. Graebe’s office, which resembles a physical therapy space more than a typical eye doctor’s office, Eileen engaged in a variety of exercises to improve her eye coordination. She used an exercise ball to work on body movement, wore eye patches, and practiced using glasses with prisms to enhance her eye alignment. These exercises were designed to help her eyes track properly and work as a team, gradually reducing the double vision and improving her reading skills.
The program also included light therapy, which opened up Eileen’s visual pathways and helped with her tunnel vision. As a result, Eileen’s reading, spelling, and handwriting skills improved significantly. Her confidence grew, and by the end of the program, she no longer struggled with tasks like reading signs or following dance instructions.
The Transformative Impact of Vision Therapy
Eileen’s experience with Vision Therapy highlights how impactful the treatment can be, not only on a child’s academic performance but also on their overall quality of life. With her visual issues addressed, Eileen now approaches learning with enthusiasm and independence. She can read confidently and participates more actively in her favorite activities, like dancing.
Jane has seen firsthand the benefits of Vision Therapy. “When we’re out, Eileen will read signs like ‘emergency exit’ and say, ‘Look, Mom, I can read this.’ Her self-esteem has gone up so much. Vision Therapy was worth every penny—it relieved so much stress on my daughter,” she said.
Take the First Step Toward Better Vision
At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Rick Graebe and his team are committed to helping children like Eileen overcome visual challenges and unlock their full potential. With two convenient locations in Versailles and Somerset, they serve families across Central and Southern Kentucky, including the greater Lexington area.
If your child is struggling with reading, has difficulty focusing, or displays signs of convergence insufficiency, a comprehensive vision evaluation can provide the answers and solutions you need. Don’t wait to give your child the tools they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rick Graebe and discover how Vision Therapy can make a lasting difference in your child’s life.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.