As adults, we often assume that vision is something we’re born with and that develops naturally. However, vision is a learned skill, and if the visual system doesn’t develop properly, it can lead to significant challenges, particularly for children.
“Vision is a learned process,” explains Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a pediatric eye care specialist in Versailles, Kentucky. “If vision is learned properly, life is easier. If it is learned improperly, life is harder.”
The Role of Motor Skills in Vision Development
Parents may know that babies respond well to high-contrast objects, which is why you often see black, white, or red crib mobiles. But what many may not realize is how much movement drives vision development in infants. Babies learn to see by moving around, touching, and exploring their environment.
Children often referred to as “bucket babies”—infants who spend too much time in car seats or other containers—may not have enough opportunities to develop their motor skills. Without movement, these children can face delays in both motor and vision development.
“Children learn where they are in space through movement,” says Dr. Graebe. “As they reach, touch, and grasp objects, their vision and motor systems begin to work together. At first, movement drives vision, but over time, the visual system takes the lead.”
By the time a child reaches three years old, vision has become their primary sense for exploring and understanding the world around them. At this critical stage, an eye exam is essential to ensure that both eyes are functioning correctly and working in tandem.
The Importance of Early Eye Exams
Early detection of vision problems can prevent lifelong challenges. Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is a condition that, if untreated, can lead to serious vision issues, including legal blindness. While regular optometrists may check for gross anatomical issues, a developmental optometrist like Dr. Graebe looks for more subtle signs of visual dysfunction.
“Regular optometrists will test for gross anatomical issues only,” Dr. Graebe explains. “What could be missed are the beginning stages of amblyopia or lazy eye—the leading cause of legal blindness for children.”
The good news is that amblyopia is 100% treatable if caught early. Dr. Graebe offers treatment options like corrective lenses or vision therapy, which can dramatically improve a child’s vision when intervention happens at a young age.
“We can treat that with lenses or with exercises,” Dr. Graebe says. “Either way, amblyopia is 100% controllable when caught early and treated properly.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Vision Care
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Graebe’s focus is not just on treating vision issues but also on helping children reach their full potential through better visual performance. From improving academic skills to helping with sports performance, vision therapy can make a huge difference in a child’s life.
For example, a young patient from the Lexington area struggled with schoolwork due to an undiagnosed vision issue. After a thorough eye exam with Dr. Graebe, the child began vision therapy to correct their visual alignment. Within months, they saw significant improvements in both their school performance and confidence levels.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam Today
If your child is under three years old or if you notice they are struggling with school, sports, or everyday tasks, it might be time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection of vision problems can prevent lifelong challenges and help your child reach their full potential.
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles and Somerset, Kentucky, we specialize in pediatric vision care and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. We proudly serve the greater Lexington area, including nearby cities like Frankfort, Nicholasville, and Danville.
To schedule an appointment, call us today at 859-879-0089.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.