When people think about vision, they often focus on clarity - whether someone can see 20/20 or needs glasses or contacts. However, clear eyesight is only one part of how vision truly works. For many children and adults, the challenge isn’t seeing clearly, but how the brain processes and interprets visual information. This is where visual processing disorders come into play, and where vision therapy can make a meaningful difference.

What Are Visual Processing Disorders?

 

Visual processing disorders (VPDs) occur when the brain has difficulty interpreting what the eyes see. Even with healthy eyes and a correct prescription, individuals with VPDs may struggle to make sense of visual input efficiently or accurately.

Common difficulties associated with visual processing disorders include:

•           Trouble recognizing letters, words, or shapes

•           Poor reading comprehension despite adequate reading skills

•           Difficulty copying from a board or page

•           Challenges with visual memory or visual sequencing

•           Eye strain, headaches, or fatigue during visual tasks

•           Problems with hand-eye coordination or spatial awareness

These challenges can affect academic performance, work productivity, and everyday activities, often leading to frustration or reduced confidence.

How Vision Therapy Addresses Visual Processing Challenges

 

Vision therapy is a personalized, non-invasive treatment program designed to improve how the eyes and brain work together. Rather than focusing solely on eyesight, vision therapy targets the neurological pathways involved in visual processing.

Through a series of guided exercises and activities, vision therapy helps strengthen key visual skills such as:

•           Visual discrimination (noticing subtle differences between shapes or letters)

•           Visual memory (recalling what has been seen)

•           Visual sequencing (processing information in the correct order)

•           Visual-motor integration (coordinating vision with body movement)

•           Eye tracking and focusing skills

These improvements allow the brain to interpret visual information more efficiently, supporting better learning, reading, and daily functioning.

Who Can Benefit From Vision Therapy?

 

Vision therapy can benefit both children and adults with visual processing difficulties. It is commonly recommended for:

•           Children struggling with reading, learning, or attention in school

•           Individuals with diagnosed learning differences

•           Patients with a history of developmental delays

•           Adults experiencing visual fatigue, concentration issues, or lingering visual problems after a concussion

Because visual processing disorders are not always obvious in standard eye exams, a comprehensive vision evaluation is essential for identifying underlying visual skill deficits.

Address Visual Processing Challenges With Confidence

 

Visual processing disorders can significantly impact how a person learns, works, and interacts with the world. Vision therapy offers a powerful, evidence-based approach to improving how the brain processes visual information, helping patients move beyond frustration and toward greater visual comfort and success. With a personalized and holistic approach, vision therapy can unlock visual potential at any age.

If you or your child are experiencing challenges that may be related to visual processing, contact Holistic Vision to learn more about vision therapy. Visit our office in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, or call (267) 500-9600 today.