Is your child struggling with reading, feeling anxious, or having difficulty in school? The root of these challenges could lie in an unexpected place—their vision.
While many parents assume vision is limited to clarity, the visual system is far more complex. It’s one of the four pillars of function in humans, along with balance (vestibular), physical movement (somatosensory), and cognition. Vision operates in two modes: focal and ambient. Understanding both is critical to ensuring your child is performing at their best.
The Two Modes of Vision: Focal vs. Ambient
The focal mode answers the “what” question—what are you looking at? It helps you identify objects and read clearly. This is the aspect most eye exams focus on, which is why many eye doctors test for visual clarity alone.
But there’s more to vision than simply reading an eye chart.
The ambient mode, often neglected in standard exams, is all about “where”—where objects are in relation to you and how you move through space. This mode helps you anticipate what you’ll see and how to respond, directing the other senses and even helping with coordination and balance.
When the ambient system isn’t functioning well, it can lead to various issues like eye-tracking problems, depth perception loss, poor coordination, anxiety, and even struggles in school. For children, whose learning relies heavily on vision, an underdeveloped ambient system can lead to significant academic and behavioral challenges.
Common Signs of a Dysfunctional Ambient Visual System
Dr. Rick Graebe, a behavioral optometrist in Versailles, Kentucky, is one of the few specialists who tests both the focal and ambient systems. According to Dr. Graebe, signs of an inefficient ambient system in children can include:
- Difficulty tracking words or objects with their eyes
- Problems with depth perception
- Poor balance or coordination
- General anxiety or nervousness
- Underperformance in school
Many of these issues go unnoticed because traditional eye exams only measure focal vision. Since up to 75% of learning comes through vision, it’s essential that the ambient system is functioning correctly for optimal learning and development.
Vision Therapy: A Solution to Learning and Vision Issues
Fortunately, the ambient visual system can be developed through Vision Therapy. Dr. Graebe offers this specialized form of therapy, which involves a series of non-academic cognitive exercises designed to create new pathways in the brain. The goal is to strengthen the ambient system, improving coordination, focus, and overall performance.
Vision Therapy also incorporates prisms and therapeutic lenses, both of which help restore balance between the focal and ambient systems.
A Path to Success
Take, for example, a recent patient from Lexington who was struggling in school. His teachers labeled him as inattentive, and he often felt overwhelmed in class. After undergoing a comprehensive vision exam with Dr. Graebe, it was discovered that his ambient visual system was underdeveloped. Through Vision Therapy, he was able to overcome these challenges, regain his focus, and significantly improve his academic performance.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam Near Lexington Today
If your child is facing similar challenges, don’t assume it’s just a behavioral issue. Their visual system might be the key to unlocking their potential. With locations in Versailles serving the greater Lexington area and Somerset, the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute is one of the few practices in Central and Southern Kentucky specializing in pediatric vision care.
To schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam, call us at 859-879-0089. Don’t let your child’s struggles go unaddressed—ensure their visual system is supporting their success.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.