When most parents take their children to an optometrist, they expect to receive a prescription for glasses or contact lenses. However, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a pediatric specialist at the Children’s Vision and Learning Center in Versailles, Kentucky, knows that for some children, vision issues may not be the root of their struggles with reading. Often, the challenge goes deeper, and the solution requires a more specialized approach known as Vision Therapy.
The Connection Between Vision and Dyslexia
Many parents seek help from Dr. Graebe not because their children can’t see well, but because they struggle to read. With an increasing number of dyslexia diagnoses, Dr. Graebe has observed that vision disorders are often overlooked in this equation. According to research from Harvard neurobiologist Margaret Livingstone, about 75% of children diagnosed with dyslexia have an underlying binocular vision disorder. In contrast, only 10-25% of the general population experiences this issue.
Binocular vision refers to how well the eyes work together as a team to focus on a single point. For tasks like reading, both eyes need to move and track across a page or screen in harmony. If they don’t, it can lead to reading difficulties, which might be mistaken for dyslexia.
Vision Therapy as a Solution
Dr. Graebe’s Vision Therapy program is designed to address these binocular vision issues. This therapy functions as a form of physical therapy, not just for the eyes, but for the brain and body as well. It’s a non-invasive, enjoyable treatment option that engages children in multi-sensory activities.
Children participating in Vision Therapy might play games, use Play-Doh, or trace letters made of sandpaper to stimulate their sense of touch and improve their visual system. These exercises help activate different parts of the brain, waking up the visual system and reinforcing the brain’s ability to process what the eyes see.
Dr. Graebe emphasizes, “We don’t say that we can cure dyslexia or ADD, but we can treat the symptoms. Vision Therapy often leads to dramatic improvements in a child’s ability to read and learn.”
Success Stories
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Graebe and his team regularly see children from across Central and Southern Kentucky, including from cities like Lexington, Danville, and Nicholasville. One such case involved a young girl from Danville, diagnosed with dyslexia, who struggled with reading for years. After undergoing Vision Therapy, she saw improvements in her reading skills, leading to greater confidence and success in school.
Her parents were thrilled with the results, noting that for the first time, their daughter was excited about reading and no longer dreaded schoolwork. Vision Therapy had not only improved her vision but also unlocked her potential in the classroom.
Schedule an Eye Exam Today
If your child struggles with reading, dyslexia, or attention disorders, it might be time to explore Vision Therapy. 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 offering these specialized services. To schedule an appointment at either location, call 859-879-0089 today.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.