With today’s increased academic demands on children, vision-related learning problems are being identified more frequently. These problems can impact a child’s ability to read, write, and learn in a traditional classroom setting. Vision-related learning problems can include issues with eye teaming, eye tracking, and visual processing, which can result in blurred or double vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. These problems can go undetected in children without regular eye exams, which is why it is important for parents and educators to be aware of the signs and symptoms of vision-related learning problems. Early detection and treatment can help children overcome these issues and succeed academically.
These issues can be effectively remediated through vision therapy. In addition, there are developmental and neurological issues such as ADD/ADHD which respond well to vision therapy. Our very experienced Optometrists have dedicated many years to helping kids whose lives have been impacted by these issues.
When is learning difficulty due to a vision problem?
Vision plays a key role in how we learn. Many symptoms and behaviours associated with learning disabilities are similar to those caused by vision problems. This is why it is so important that a comprehensive vision examination be part of the evaluation of all children who are failing to succeed in school.
Signs and symptoms: What to look for in your child:
A learning difficulty may be due to a vision problem when a child has difficulty with reading, writing, or other visual tasks that cannot be explained by other factors, such as intellectual or emotional challenges. Some signs that a child may have a vision-related learning difficulty include:
- Squinting, rubbing their eyes, or complaining of headaches during visual tasks
- Works slowly
- Avoiding reading or other visual tasks
- Skipping lines or losing their place while reading
- Difficulty with handwriting or copying from the board
- Poor reading comprehension
- Difficulty with spatial orientation, such as distinguishing left from right or up from down
- Difficulty with visual-spatial tasks, such as puzzles or mazes
If a child exhibits any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist. The exam should include testing for eye teaming, eye tracking, and visual processing to identify any vision-related learning difficulties. Early detection and treatment of these issues can help children succeed academically and avoid long-term vision problems.
Make an appointment with our office to determine if your child’s symptoms are vision related.
How to identify a vision problem in you or your child:
Children should be referred for a comprehensive eye exam to a pediatric optometrist whenever visual symptoms are noticed or if they are not achieving their potential. Many of these vision problems will not be detected during a school vision screening or limited vision assessment as part of a school physical or routine pediatric health evaluation.
Our professional team is ready to help you
We view your care as both an honor and a serious responsibility. We’re dedicated to improvements through continuing education and technological advancements.
Our professional team is ready to help you
We view your care as both an honor and a serious responsibility. We’re dedicated to improvements through continuing education and technological advancements.