Can Your Child Benefit From a Neurovisual Exam?

Every parent desires the best for their child. They ensure their children eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. However, most do not consider visual health. Vision plays a significant role in the learning and development of a child. It pays to get professional help to identify and treat visual problems that affect their development. 

What Is a Neurovisual Exam?

A neurovisual exam is a comprehensive eye exam that focuses on the neurological aspects of the visual system. It goes beyond traditional eye exams that only measure refractive errors and visual acuity. It assesses how well the eyes and brain work together. 

A neurovisual exam also looks for abnormalities in the visual processing system. It entails various tests. These include eye testing, visual processing, and eye teaming tests. The eye tracking test measures how well the eyes can move and follow an object. 

The eye teaming test evaluates how the eyes work together to maintain focus. Visual processing tests measure how well the brain processes and interprets visual information.

Can Your Child Benefit From a Neurovisual Exam?

Neurovisual exams can benefit children with difficulty reading, learning, and other visual tasks. It also helps those who have had head injuries such as a concussion. Speak to an eye care professional for guidance on whether a neurovisual exam may be appropriate.

What to Expect in a Neurovisual Exam
 

A neurovisual exam starts with discussions around medications, health history, and family history of neurological or eye problems. The eye doctor will measure visual acuity using an eye chart. They will perform several tests to evaluate visual processing, eye teaming, and tracking. They may use a device called a phoropter to measure refractive error.

The eye doctor may also perform tests to evaluate eye alignment and movement. These include the prism or cover test. The tests identify eye muscle imbalances or eye tracking problems that affect your child’s ability to read, write, or concentrate in school.

Who Should Get a Neurovisual Exam?

Children who experience neurological or visual symptoms should get a neurovisual exam. These symptoms include the following:
 

• Crossed eyes or eye turn

• Eyestrain or frequent headaches

• Squinting or eye rubbing

• Double or blurred vision

• Eye fatigue or discomfort

• Difficulty writing or reading

• Poor sports performance

• Poor concentration or attention in school

Benefits of a Neurovisual Exam for Children

A neurovisual exam has many benefits for children. It helps in the early detection and treatment of visual problems that affect their athletic and academic performance. It helps prevent further visual issues and improves the quality of life for many children.

Good vision is vital for the safety of your child. They will need it when engaging in activities such as swimming or biking. A neurovisual exam helps identify visual problems that affect their safety and takes steps to correct them.

As a parent, you want your child to live a healthy and happy life. A neurovisual exam provides peace of mind by ensuring your child gets a proper evaluation of their visual health and receives treatment if necessary.

For more about neurovisual exams, visit Ocean Park Optometry at our office in Santa Monica, California. Call (310) 452-1039 to book an appointment today.