What is Visual Sensory Stimulation?

Written by Carolyn Smarszcz, BSN, RN

Published on January 4, 2024

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• The visual system is responsible for processing data gathered by the eyes.
• All people can benefit from appropriate visual stimulation.
• Children and adults can activate and develop their visual sensory system in many ways.

Have you ever wondered how our bodies process visual input to create the sense called vision? It’s a fascinating process.

When our eyes perceive light, photoreceptor (light-sensing) cells in the retina convert this into an electrical signal and send it to the brain via the optic nerve. The brain then flips the upside-down image sent by the retina, processes the data, and makes meaning of the visual stimuli and sensory information—all within fractions of a second. 

Because healthy visual perception is an important part of all well-functioning sensory systems, you may wonder if there are specific, sight-targeted activities you or your child can do to help increase visual processing abilities.

Through visual sensory stimulation, children and adults can use a variety of sensory activities to develop their body’s natural abilities.

Read on to learn more about the visual sensory system and ways to keep your sense of sight healthy, regardless of age.

Understanding Visual Sensory Stimulation

Let’s briefly review the body processes that allow vision to occur to better understand the sense of sight.

What is Visual Sensory Stimulation?

The body’s visual system is responsible for processing all visual input received by the eyes and sending that data via an electrical and chemical signal to the brain: This includes light brightness, depth perception, and visual information from observing the world around us.

In simple terms, visual sensory stimulation refers to the fact that when visual information (like light) is presented to the eyes, the chemical signals that result from that sense being activated (or stimulated) tell the brain to respond to what it’s seeing.

This process describes the use of materials or objects to help learning occur in the brain, which can then affect a variety of other senses and body systems.

While all the body’s sensory systems work together to help us function in the world around us, sensory activities that target the visual system benefit far more than just the eyes.

Importance in Development

Encouraging a healthy sensory diet that stimulates all the senses, including that of the visual sensory system, is important for people of all ages.

In babies and young children, providing appropriate visual stimulation through sensory play helps infants develop the eye-muscle coordination of tracking movements. Visual activities like looking at high-contrast picture books or playing with blocks can encourage color recognition and build depth perception.

Adults need engagement of their visual sensory system too. A 2020 study¹1. Assed, M. M., Rocca, C. C., Garcia, Y. M., Khafif, T. C., Belizario, G. O., Toschi-Dias, E., & Serafim, A. de.. Memory training combined with 3D visuospatial stimulus improves cognitive performance in the elderly: Pilot study.. Dementia & Neuropsychologia. 2020;14(3), 290–299. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-57642020dn14-030010 by Assad et al showed that older adults experienced positive cognitive changes in attention, reaction time, information processing speed, and working memory through memory training with 3D objects.

Benefits of Visual Sensory Stimulation

Need more reasons to engage in activities that target your visual system? Consider benefits such as:

Cognitive Development

In addition to improving focus and other mental abilities, age-appropriate visual stimulation offers a wide range of cognitive advantages.

Play that includes a variety of sensory inputs is important for children of all ages. 

A 2018 study²2. Yogman, M., Garner, A., Hutchinson, J., Hirsh-Pasek, K., Golinkoff, R. M., Baum, R., Gambon, T., Lavin, A., Mattson, G., Wissow, L., Hill, D. L., Ameenuddin, N., Chassiakos, Y. (Linda), Cross, C., Boyd, R., Mendelson, R., Moreno, M. A., Radesky, J., Swanson, W. S., … Smith, J.. The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children. Pediatrics. 2018;142(3). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-2058 by Dr. Michael Yogman shows that free, unstructured play helps children develop problem-solving skills, improve spatial understanding, grow executive functioning abilities, and increase language skills. Many social skills that will be used throughout a child’s life are also learned through play. 

Did you know that environmental enrichment³3. Figuracion, K. C., & Lewis, F. M.. Environmental enrichment: A concept analysis. Nursing Forum. 2021;56(3), 703–709. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12565, such as spaces that engage movement, mental, social, and sensory processing abilities, can change your brain for the better?

In 2009, researchers published a study⁴4. Sale, A., Berardi, N., & Maffei, L.. Enrich the environment to empower the brain. Trends in Neurosciences. 2009;32(4), 233–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2008.12.004 that describes how environmental enrichment helps develop the visual system and maintain flexibility in the primary visual cortex (the area of the brain that is responsible for processing visual input from the retinas). 

Further findings from this study suggest that environmental enrichment may be a promising way to treat brain changes associated with age and help restore regular sensory function from a variety of disorders.

Emotional and Psychological Well-being

Visual sensory benefits extend beyond increased cognitive abilities: They can also improve our psychological health.

Participants in a 2019 study⁵5. Jo, H., Song, C., & Miyazaki, Y.. Physiological Benefits of Viewing Nature: A Systematic Review of Indoor Experiments. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019;16(23), 4739. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16234739 also showed improvement in symptoms of stress and anxiety when study participants were shown images of natural landscapes and scenery. 

A well-rounded sensory diet that includes visual stimulation has been proven⁶6. Canbeyli, R.. Sensory stimulation via the visual, auditory, olfactory and gustatory systems can modulate mood and depression. European Journal of Neuroscience. 2021;55(1), 244–263. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.15507 to enhance a person’s mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Interestingly, the same study also showed that depression impacted an individual’s ability to respond to a variety of sensory information, including vision, auditory abilities, and taste. 

Many researchers feel that future treatment strategies for a variety of emotional and psychological conditions will involve therapies that target a person’s senses, including directed visual input. 

Techniques and Tools for Visual Sensory Stimulation

Now that we’ve established the importance of activating the visual sensory system in individuals of all ages, what are some practical strategies to provide these experiences?

For Infants and Young Children

There’s a wide range of visual activities available to encourage the growing mind of a child. Best of all, they don’t have to be expensive or elaborate to be effective!

Consider ideas like:

• Mobiles with bright colors and interesting shapes (For safety’s sake, make sure they’re well out of your baby’s reach.)
• Colorful toys with varied patterns like stripes or polka dots 
• Spinning tops—some also include patterns
• Nature-based visual tools, like these aquariums  
• Light-up toys
• Mirrors, especially ones that offer a combination of sensory experiences, like these that combine tactile and visual learning opportunities
• High-contrast pictures, drawings, or images (These are particularly helpful for very young infants.)

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To keep your child engaged and entertained as they learn, switch out sensory toys regularly and watch for your little one’s signals like fussiness or avoidance as a cue to end the play session.

Soft Tummy Time Book with Large Stimulating Baby Safe Mirror

• Meaningful & Fun Newborn Toys By ZICOTO: Watch your baby evolve day by day – truly heartwarming! The adorable soft baby book is designed for 2 developmental stages – crinkle filling, sensory textures & fun activities make for an absolute favorite among infant toys
• Precious For Tummy Time Practice: Stage 1 of the 7.5×5.9” activity book engages & entertains your baby at 0+ month! The baby toys’ high contrast colors stimulate & aid visual development, while the safe mirror helps them to look at themselves & track movements. Perfect learning high contrast baby book toy.
• Promotes Motor Skills Effectively: Rich colors, various textures, 3D activities, a BPA free soft teether & a play pocket bring in more interaction, to support the development of a better sense of touch & other fine motor skills – montessori book stage 2 (3+ m)
• Top-Notch Flip Over Concept: Fully enjoy your peace of mind as the soft baby book is made of premium materials with a baby safe design! The book stands stable by itself, cleverly encouraging your baby to learn to hold their head up & explore their surroundings

$9.99

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For Adults

One of the challenges for adults seeking visual sensory stimulation is to look beyond the opportunities offered by technology or their smartphones. While these activities may be engaging, researchers⁷7. Kahn, P. H., Severson, R. L., & Ruckert, J. H.. The Human Relation With Nature and Technological Nature. Current Directions in Psychological Science. 2009;18(1), 37–42. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2009.01602.x feel they tend to provide less sensory stimulation than what occurs when a person interacts with a real environment and that “real nature” is preferable to “technological nature.”

When seeking visual experiences for adults⁸8. Schmid, J.. VISUAL STIMULATION FOR ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA. Best Alzheimer’s Products. 2009. https://best-alzheimers-products.com/alternative-therapy-for-alzheimers/sensory-stimulation-for-alzheimers/visual-stimulation-for-alzheimers#:~:text=Gently%20animated%20lights%2C%20kaleidoscopes%2C%20colorful,all%20examples%20of%20visual%20stimulation., consider options like:

• Visual puzzles and games (Optical illusions can be a great source of fun!)
• Nature-based activities like walking in the woods, watching a sunset, or visiting the beach
• Creating or viewing visual art like paintings or sculptures
• Watching fish swim in an aquarium or nature movies
• Kaleidoscopes

Like visual stimulation experiences with children, adults don’t need to have expensive or elaborate strategies to experience the benefits of activating the visual system. Often, simple experiences can be the most beneficial.

Altered Sensory Stimulation

As your child grows through infancy and beyond, you may notice that they experience altered ways of interacting with their environment—which can include sensory processing disorder.

Children and adults may experience sensory input needs that result from an underactive (hypoactive) or overactive (hyperreactive) response to certain substances or sensations. 

Generally speaking, those with an underactive sensory processing disorder will seek out experiences to gain the input they need to experience regulation. Those with more reactive symptoms of sensory processing disorder will avoid or act out when exposed to their triggers.

Signs of Sensory Processing Problems

According to experts at the Child Mind Institute⁹9. Arky, B.. Sensory Processing Issues Explained. Child Mind Institute. 2023. https://childmind.org/article/sensory-processing-issues-explained/, here’s what difficulties may look like in the five main sensory systems, as well as two other significant systems.

Because parents generally know their children best, their perspective is important when considering a diagnosis of sensory processing disorder. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider if you have concerns about the way your child moves or interacts with their environment.

Appropriate sensory input, including visual stimulation, is an important part of developing and maintaining visual processing abilities. Engaging with your child through play and exploring the world together is a simple, yet powerful way to grow together through shared experiences.

References

1. Assed, M. M., Rocca, C. C., Garcia, Y. M., Khafif, T. C., Belizario, G. O., Toschi-Dias, E., & Serafim, A. de. (2020). Memory training combined with 3D visuospatial stimulus improves cognitive performance in the elderly: Pilot study. Dementia & Neuropsychologia, 14(3), 290–299. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-57642020dn14-030010
2. Yogman, M., Garner, A., Hutchinson, J., Hirsh-Pasek, K., Golinkoff, R. M., Baum, R., Gambon, T., Lavin, A., Mattson, G., Wissow, L., Hill, D. L., Ameenuddin, N., Chassiakos, Y. (Linda), Cross, C., Boyd, R., Mendelson, R., Moreno, M. A., Radesky, J., Swanson, W. S., … Smith, J. (2018). The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children. Pediatrics, 142(3). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-2058
3. Figuracion, K. C., & Lewis, F. M. (2021). Environmental enrichment: A concept analysis. Nursing Forum, 56(3), 703–709. https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12565
4. Sale, A., Berardi, N., & Maffei, L. (2009). Enrich the environment to empower the brain. Trends in Neurosciences, 32(4), 233–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2008.12.004
5. Jo, H., Song, C., & Miyazaki, Y. (2019). Physiological Benefits of Viewing Nature: A Systematic Review of Indoor Experiments. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(23), 4739. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16234739
6. Canbeyli, R. (2021). Sensory stimulation via the visual, auditory, olfactory and gustatory systems can modulate mood and depression. European Journal of Neuroscience, 55(1), 244–263. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.15507
7. Kahn, P. H., Severson, R. L., & Ruckert, J. H. (2009). The Human Relation With Nature and Technological Nature. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 18(1), 37–42. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2009.01602.x
8. Schmid, J. (2009, October 22). VISUAL STIMULATION FOR ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA. Best Alzheimer’s Products. https://best-alzheimers-products.com/alternative-therapy-for-alzheimers/sensory-stimulation-for-alzheimers/visual-stimulation-for-alzheimers#:~:text=Gently%20animated%20lights%2C%20kaleidoscopes%2C%20colorful,all%20examples%20of%20visual%20stimulation.
9. Arky, B. (2023, October 30). Sensory Processing Issues Explained. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/sensory-processing-issues-explained
10. Berger, S. (2022, April 18). Activities to Address Tactile Defensiveness. NAPA Center. https://napacenter.org/tactile-defensiveness

The information WonderBaby provides is not intended to be, and does not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. Always consult with a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances.