Parent question: What are some of the best eye exercises and vision therapy options for children?

Eye exercises and vision therapy are often recommended for children with certain visual conditions, such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and convergence insufficiency (difficulty focusing on nearby objects). These exercises and therapies are designed to improve visual skills, such as eye coordination, tracking, and focusing, which can help children see more clearly and perform better in school and other activities.

1. Pencil Push-Ups: This exercise is designed to improve eye tracking and coordination. The child holds a pencil at arm’s length and moves it slowly towards their nose, focusing on the tip of the pencil as it gets closer. They then move the pencil back to arm’s length and repeat the exercise.
2. Eye Patching: Patching one eye can help treat amblyopia by forcing the weaker eye to work harder. The patch is typically worn for a certain amount of time each day, as prescribed by the eye doctor.
3. Eye-Hand Coordination Exercises: These exercises involve using the eyes to guide the hands in completing a task, such as threading beads or playing catch. These exercises can help improve eye-hand coordination and visual perception.
4. Convergence Insufficiency Therapy: This type of therapy is designed to improve the ability to focus on nearby objects, such as when reading. It typically involves a combination of eye exercises, such as focusing on a small object while moving it closer and farther away, and using special glasses or prisms to shift the eyes’ alignment.
5. Computerized Vision Therapy: Computerized vision therapy programs are designed to help children improve visual skills by playing interactive games that are tailored to specific visual conditions.
6. Vision Therapy with a therapist: Vision therapy with an optometrist or other eye care professional is designed to help children improve visual skills through a series of exercises and activities that are tailored to their specific visual condition.

It is important to note that not all children will require eye exercises or vision therapy. It is important to schedule regular eye exams for children, so that any visual issues can be detected early on and the appropriate treatment can be prescribed. Additionally, it’s important that parents work with their eye doctor and the therapist to establish a consistent and regular schedule for the therapy.