The types of vision problems which interfere with reading and learning impact how the eyes move and how they work together, so a child can pass a vision screening that tests for distance vision very easily because they can see the letters on the eye chart. As a result, vision can often be incorrectly ruled out even though Eye Movement and Eye Coordination disorders could be interfering with reading and learning.
What’s “Eye Coordination”? How well the two eyes work together in unison to provide a single clear image at all times. “Eye Movement” is how well the eyes move – which is required when you read or drive. How well can you follow a moving target and can you follow along a line of print when reading without getting lost.
Research from Harvard Medical School actually found that approximately 80% of children who have Dyslexia, often have Eye Coordination and eye movement disorders contributing to their challenges. And 30% of kids (without Dyslexia) who struggle with reading also have these visual disorders.
It is important to understand that while our eyes take in visual information, that information is sent to the brain where it is processed. If the information that is sent to the brain is faulty, it can make learning very difficult, this is often referred to as a Visual information Processing Disorder. While learning disability websites list a variety of accommodations that can help children with Visual Information Processing Disorders, it is important for parents to understand that correctable vision problems are often playing a role in learning challenges and can contribute to Visual Information Processing Disorders.
Many individuals with learning disabilities also have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). One of the signs that a vision problem may be contributing to one’s learning challenges is a short attention span when it comes to reading and near work. This behavior could easily be mistaken for ADHD.
Eye Tracking and Eye Coordination disorders which can make reading difficult and cause symptoms such as eye strain, double vision, loss of concentration, poor reading comprehensionand frequent loss of place when reading and working up close, all which play a negative role in learning.
For children who are performing well in school, a yearly eye exam is important. However, if your child struggles with reading, is smart in everything but school or is a bright underachiever, you need to make sure your child has all the visual skills required for academic success. To do this you need an in-depth Developmental Vision Evaluation by a Developmental Optometrist. Please call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gindi.
Our office specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vision disorders that interfere with reading, learning and other activities of daily living. While we also work with adults, we also help children in our office.
Patients love our staff. They create a very warm and caring atmosphere during the testing.
To prepare your child for the evaluation, be sure to explain that there will be no shots and that there are no wrong answers. It is also helpful if you can make sure your child has a good night’s sleep and eats a meal with protein and vegetables (if possible) prior to the appointment.
The evaluation takes about 1 hour and is very thorough. After the evaluation, a separate appointment is scheduled where Dr. Gindi, Developmental Optometrist, will speak with both parents/caregivers to get a better understanding of how the vision problem is impacting your child’s life. Dr. Gindi then combines your information with the results of the testing to design a unique treatment plan to ensure your child’s success.