Children with ADD/ADHD often struggle with concentration, focus, and other aspects of learning that can severely affect their ability to thrive both in and outside of the classroom. While medication and behavioral therapies are commonly recommended, many families overlook the potential benefits of vision therapy, a non-invasive treatment designed to improve visual skills and processing.
Below, our Oxnard eye care team at Family Optometric Group outlines five ways vision therapy can help children with ADD/ADHD.
How Our Vision Therapy Experts Can Help
1. Enhances Focus and Attention
One of the core symptoms of ADD/ADHD is difficulty focusing, especially during activities that require sustained attention like reading or schoolwork. Vision therapy can help improve a child’s visual tracking and eye coordination, making it easier to follow text or objects without losing focus. By strengthening these skills, children may find it easier to complete tasks and stay engaged in school.
2. Improves Hand-Eye Coordination
ADD/ADHD often affects a child’s ability to coordinate their movements with the visual information they’re receiving. This means tasks such as writing, drawing, or sports can be especially challenging. Vision therapy helps improve hand-eye coordination, allowing children to better process what they see and translate it into coordinated movements. This improvement can make schoolwork and physical activities less frustrating and encourage positive interactions in school and extracurriculars.
3. Enhances Reading and Comprehension
For children with ADD/ADHD, reading comprehension is often a struggle because they can’t effectively maintain eye movement and focus on the page. Vision therapy addresses these issues by training the eyes to work together more effectively and move more smoothly, improving reading fluency and comprehension. This can help children begin reading more confidently and retain information better.
4. Reduces Eye Fatigue and Discomfort
Children with ADD/ADHD often experience greater visual fatigue due to their difficulty maintaining focus on tasks like reading or screen time. This can lead to headaches and discomfort, further affecting their attention span. Vision therapy helps strengthen the eye muscles, reducing strain and fatigue, and ultimately allowing children to focus longer without physical discomfort.
5. Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence
The challenges of living with ADD/ADHD can leave a child feeling frustrated, especially when they struggle with tasks that come easily to their peers. By improving visual skills through vision therapy, children can experience greater success in both academic and social settings. As they become more confident in their abilities, their self-esteem improves, creating a positive cycle of growth and learning.
Visit Our Eye Clinic Today!
Vision therapy offers a unique and valuable tool for children with ADD/ADHD. By enhancing visual skills, improving focus, and reducing discomfort, it can help children navigate daily tasks with greater ease and confidence. Speak to our eye care team today if you believe vision therapy might be beneficial for your child.
*We are closed from 12-1 for lunch.