Children and adults with dyslexia usually have healthy eyes and sharp eyesight. However, a substantial number of individuals with dyslexia have other visual problems. Depending on its severity, a learning-related vision problem can sometimes be misidentified as dyslexia because there are similarities. However, it is more common that children with dyslexia also have a visual component that is contributing to their difficulties.  

When a child struggles with reading and learning it is important to first rule out the possibility of a vision problem. If a vision problem exists, treatment may involve glasses, optometric vision therapy, or both. Optometric vision therapy treats vision problems that can interfere with learning to read, or reading to learn. Once the vision problem is treated successfully, tutoring and other special services can become more effective.

According to pediatrician and parent advocate for the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Dr. Debra Walhof: 

“It is important to remember that normal sight may not necessarily be synonymous with normal vision...That being said, if there is a vision problem, it could be preventing the best tutoring and learning methods from working. Now that certainly doesn't mean every dyslexic child needs vision therapy, however in my opinion, skills such as focusing, tracking and others are essential foundational tools for reading. In general, if your child has trouble with reading or learning to read, getting a vision evaluation to assess these skills from a qualified Developmental Optometrist would be a smart move.”

Diagnosis and Treatment for Dyslexia and Vision

Locate a Doctor in your area who is experienced and knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating vision disorders that masquerade as Dyslexia or contribute to the unique challenges presented by Dyslexia.

References

Vision, Learning & Dyslexia
The Joint Organizational Policy Statement of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association

Vision and Dyslexia White Paper
COVD’s White Paper on Vision and Dyslexia

Vision Based Learning Problems: The Role Of The Optometrist On The Multidisciplinary Team
A White Paper provided by COVD

Optometric Vision Therapy: The Research

Research on Vision and Dyslexia (published in COVD’s journal, Optometry & Vision Development)

Instability of Fixation in Dyslexia: Development – Deficits – Training
Burkhart Fischer, Dipl Phys; Klaus Hartnegg, Dipl Phys
Centre of Neuroscience, Optomotor Laboratory, University of Freiburg

Saccade Control in Dyslexia: Development, Deficits, Training and Transfer to Reading
Burkhart Fischer, Dipl Phys; Klaus Hartnegg, Dipl Phys
Centre of Neuroscience, Optomotor Laboratory, University of Freiburg