Visual Processing Disorders and How Vision Therapy Helps

When most people think about vision problems, they think about blurry eyesight that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. For some children and adults, difficulties arise not from the eyes themselves, but from how the brain processes visual information. At Blue River Vision, we help patients understand visual processing disorders and offer personalized vision therapy programs designed to improve how the brain and eyes work together.

What Are Visual Processing Disorders?

 

Visual processing disorders (VPDs), also referred to as visual perceptual or visual information processing difficulties, occur when the brain has trouble interpreting visual input. The eyes may be healthy and capable of seeing clearly, but the brain struggles to make sense of what is seen.

These disorders can affect people of all ages but are especially common in children. Visual processing disorders are not related to intelligence, and many individuals with VPDs are bright and capable but experience unnecessary frustration because their visual system is not functioning efficiently.

Common Types of Visual Processing Difficulties

 

•           Visual processing disorders can present in several ways, depending on which visual skills are affected. Common challenges include:

•           Visual Discrimination: Difficulty noticing differences or similarities between letters, shapes, or objects. This can affect reading, spelling, and math.

•           Visual Memory: Trouble remembering what has been seen, such as letters, words, or directions. This may impact reading comprehension and following instructions.

•           Visual Sequencing: Difficulty understanding the correct order of letters, numbers, or steps. This can affect reading fluency and math skills.

•           Visual Figure-Ground: Problems identifying an object or word within a busy background, such as finding information on a crowded page.

•           Visual-Motor Integration: Challenges coordinating vision with physical movement, which can affect handwriting, sports, and everyday tasks like tying shoes.

Signs and Symptoms of Visual Processing Disorders

 

Visual processing disorders often go undetected because routine eye exams may not identify them. Common signs to watch for include:

•           Difficulty reading or slow reading speed

•           Skipping words or lines while reading

•           Frequent loss of place on a page

•           Poor reading comprehension despite good intelligence

•           Trouble copying from the board

•           Messy handwriting

•           Avoidance of reading or close work

•           Difficulty following visual instructions

•           Eye strain, headaches, or fatigue during school or work

If these symptoms persist, a comprehensive vision evaluation that includes visual processing testing may be necessary.

How Vision Therapy Helps Visual Processing Disorders

 

At Blue River Vision, vision therapy programs are tailored to each patient’s specific needs and may include in-office sessions combined with guided at-home exercises. These activities are designed to build and reinforce visual skills through repetition and progression.

Vision therapy addresses the underlying visual skill deficits contributing to visual processing disorders. Through structured activities, patients can experience improvements in areas such as:

•           Visual attention and focus

•           Eye tracking and coordination

•           Visual memory and recall

•           Visual discrimination and perception

•           Visual-motor integration

•           Processing speed and efficiency

Over time, these improvements can lead to better reading performance, improved academic or work success, and increased confidence in daily tasks.

Strengthen Visual Skills With Expert Care

 

Visual processing disorders can make everyday tasks feel unnecessarily difficult, even when eyesight appears normal. Fortunately, these challenges do not have to be permanent. With the right diagnosis and a customized vision therapy program, patients can strengthen their visual skills and improve how their brain processes visual information.

If you or your child is struggling with reading, learning, or visual efficiency, vision therapy may be the missing piece. Contact Blue River Vision to schedule a comprehensive vision evaluation and learn whether vision therapy could help improve visual processing. Visit our office in Silverthorne, Colorado, or call (970) 451-0015 today.