Our eyes are essential for learning – especially in the classroom. We track (left to right) both when reading from a book and from the board. We need binocular vision to adjust our eyesight from close reading range to further distance – board range. Our eyes work overtime in the school system and it is not uncommon to notice that children at times cannot cope with what they are being asked to do because their eyes tire.
So why do some children’s eyes tire so much more quickly than others?
Initially of course, eye tests and glasses may be needed – but that is not the whole answer to the problem. Reflexes impact our eyes to a very large degree. Especially for young children. Our primitive reflexes (automatic movements) should be ‘put to sleep’ by 4 years of age. It is then that our Postural Reflexes take the lead. However, if this isn’t the case, then the Primitive Reflexes that were there to train our body, brain and eyes are still impacting our eyes! (Read my previous post about the ‘poltergeist’ if you need more proof). In other words they really don’t have full control over their eye movements, and they need it!
The STNR reflex for example impacts our binocular vision. That is the adjustments of long to short distance and visa versa. I was very much that child. I saw the ball coming . . .then oops . . . didn’t quite see when it was near to me. This is not only embarrassing for children but they just don’t understand it! I mean they try really hard to catch that ball . . . . they just can’t see where it is to catch it.
This is exactly how reflexes work. We don’t have FULL CONTROL over our body movements. For a child, in school, this is not an easy thing. Their eyes tire, their bodies are tired from holding themselves together all day. Then they come home to more demands. They are frustrated! They don’t know how to fix it – but the good news is . . . IT CAN BE FIXED.
There is definitely hope for this child. Their body and brain can communicate properly so that the right messages are getting to the right place at the right time. This reflex that hinders the proper control over their eyes can be ‘put to sleep’. They need a Reflex Inhibition programme.
Without Limits Learning offers consultations and assessments that will help your child’s eyes, coordination, learning abilities. Don’t wait.