According to Donald J. Getz, O.D., up to 75 to 80 percent of what a child learns comes through the visual sense. Children with learning disabilities, autism and cerebral palsy often have underlying eye tracking and visual perceptual problems. Adults who have suffered a stroke may also demonstrate impairments in visual skills that can impact their functioning. Fortunately, there are many fun and moderately easy games to improve these skills. Developmental optometrists and occupational therapists are health professionals who have expertise in these strategies.
Step 1
Move a brightly colored object slowly across the visual field of the person, approximately 12 inches from the face. Make an "H" in the air to see if the person can move his eyes up and down and left and right. Make an "X" in the air to see if the person can track diagonally. Be sure to go in each direction and watch the eyes.
Step 2
Suspend a beach ball from the ceiling or door frame with a strong string or rope. Have the person bat it back and forth and left and right. Try the same with a balloon.
Step 3
Use a flashlight to make patterns on the wall in a darkened room. Go up, down, left, right and diagonally. Have the person follow your light with her light.
Step 4
Write the letters of the alphabet in a random pattern on a large poster board with a bright marker. Have the person use a pointer (broom handle or yard stick) to touch letters to spell words or go in alphabetical order.
Step 5
Give the person 10 brightly colored beads in a small bowl. Hold a wooden skewer with ends dulled and move it slowly around while the person tries to locate it with his eyes and put a bead on the skewer.
Step 6
Practice mazes, word finds and hidden pictures to improve visual perceptual skills.
Tips and Warnings
- For kids, make these games fun and use music with a strong rhythm to enhance coordination of the eyes. Pick a couple of these ideas to try at a time so your child does not get overwhelmed.
- For a child or adult with balance or equilibrium issues, it is recommended these exercises be performed in a secure seated position. Persons prone to seizures should use caution and consult a physician before starting an eye exercise program. These exercises are not intended to be a substitute for professional services such as vision therapy or occupational therapy. Currently there is insufficient scientific evidence to support eye exercises for treatment of learning disorders.
Things You'll Need
- 2 flashlights
- Balloons
- Sharpie markers
- Poster board
- Book of mazes
- Book of word searches
- Book of hidden pictures
- Beach ball
- Strong string or rope
- Wooden skewers, ends filed down
- Large colorful beads
- Broom handle or yardstick
