Reading & Learning Problems | Northbrook Pediatric Optometrist

Vision is our dominant sensory system. An estimated 80% of information learned in a classroom is presented visually. In order to read efficiently, our eyes have to focus to make print clear, converge to make print single, and track to find the start of the next line. To comprehend what we read, the brain must process and interpret visual information efficiently.

Symptoms of Vision Related learning problems may include:

Slow reading speed or loss of place when reading
Poor reading comprehension, or better comprehension when read to
Takes longer to complete schoolwork than peers
Avoidance of reading
Tires easily when reading
Covers one eye while reading
Poor sizing and spacing of handwriting
Difficulty copying from the board
Difficulty aligning columns of numbers in math
Double vision or words moving on the page
Headaches
Difficulty with spelling and sight words
Performs better with larger print
Struggles to pay attention
Letter reversals

As developmental optometrists, we specialize in evaluating all the visual skills needed for efficient learning. It is not enough just to see 20/20, a child with a clear vision can have problems with eye coordination, tracking, and vision processing that impact reading and learning. Many symptoms of vision-related learning problems overlap with dyslexia and ADHD, so if your child is struggling in school it’s important to identify if a vision problem is present. Problems with how the eyes work together, focus, track, and process visual information can be effectively treated by a program of optometric vision therapy.