Learning Related Vision Problems

Vision therapy (VT) helps unlock a child's potential when vision challenges hinder reading and learning. By addressing vision-related barriers, VT can improve skills like reading, spelling, writing, and attention, enabling children to become more confident and eager learners.

Many children diagnosed with learning disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD may actually have undiagnosed vision problems. These issues often go unnoticed during standard eye exams, which primarily test 20/20 eyesight. Yet, learning requires more than clear distance vision—skills like eye teaming, focusing, and tracking are critical for success in reading and learning.
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For instance, convergence insufficiency (CI), a common condition affecting 8-12% of the population, can cause difficulty focusing on near tasks, leading to challenges in reading and comprehension. Studies show that 33% of children diagnosed with ADHD also have CI. VT effectively treats such deficits by developing essential visual skills through individualized programs, much like physical or occupational therapy.

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects how the brain processes written language, often leading to difficulties with word recognition and decoding. While VT does not treat dyslexia directly, it addresses co-existing visual problems that can mimic or worsen its symptoms. These include:

• Focusing issues: Difficulty maintaining clear vision on small text.

• Convergence insufficiency: Trouble aligning both eyes during reading, causing double vision or discomfort.

• Eye-tracking problems: Skipping lines or rereading due to poor oculomotor control.

• Visual discrimination deficits: Struggling to differentiate between similar letters (e.g., 'b' and 'd').

• ​​​​​​​Visual sequential processing deficits: Perceiving text out of order due to alignment challenges.

These visual challenges can lead to frustration, avoidance of reading, and even behavioral issues.

VT provides targeted exercises and activities to improve visual input and processing skills, which are essential for fluent reading. Key benefits include:

• Enhanced eye tracking and coordination, making reading smoother and more accurate.

• Improved focusing ability, reducing fatigue and visual strain.

• Development of visual processing skills, aiding in letter recognition, sequencing, and comprehension.

• Reduction of visual stress, enabling children to read comfortably and sustain attention.

​​​​​​​By addressing these issues, VT supports children in developing foundational visual skills necessary for meaningful reading and learning.

A functional vision evaluation is crucial for any child suspected of having dyslexia or learning difficulties. Early identification of visual problems can pave the way for effective treatment, helping children achieve their academic potential and regain confidence.

Vision therapy doesn’t just improve visual function—it transforms lives, fostering a lifetime of better learning and success. Contact us to schedule an evaluation and unlock the possibilities for your child today.