Vision and learning – What do parents & teachers need to know?

While glasses are seen as a common solution to 'blurred vision', there are a number of treatable eye conditions that also create blurred vision. More interesting is that most of these difficulties can generally be resolved using a course of vision training exercises. So, what's involved with the eyes when you're reading?

1. Aiming system (Convergence / Divergence)
2. Focussing system (Accommodation)
3. Maintenance and stability

So what can go wrong? Well anything that is linked to these 3 systems. Some of the common problems seen include:

• Convergence Insufficiency (C.I.)
  Accounts for approximately 75% of vision-related learning problems in children. Characterised by an inability to aim the eyes at a page while reading/writing, or further inability to maintain this aim under cognitive load.
  This C.I. can lead to include fatigue, loss of concentration, losing place while reading which can sometimes result in reduced reading fluency and slower comprehension and even behaviours of avoidance.
  Read more in our DIY checking section
  

• Other Eye Coordination problems
  Accounts for approximately 15% of vision-related learning problems in children. This can include problems of the aiming (convergence/divergence) system or focussing (accommodation) system; also problems of eye muscle control.
  

• Blurred vision
  Found in approximately 5-10% of vision-related learning problems in children. Children who appear to have blurred vision can be seen by Gerry & Johnson Optometrists for an eye examination and prescription of glasses or contact lenses.
  
• Colour vision deficiency
  Commonly know as ‘colour blindness' is found in 8% of males and 0.5% of females. It can coexist with any of the other difficulties mentioned above. A child with colour vision deficiency will have difficulties with any colour based learning activity. If you think a student could have a colour vision deficiency, please make an appointment with us for a colour vision assesement. This child requires ongoing advice on learning adaptations and future career considerations.

Children and Learning Difficulties - Signs of a Vision-Based Problem

• Complaints of blurred vision
• Headaches
• Poor concentration
• Poor comprehension
• Needing to reread material
• Poor eye-hand coordination (small ball catching)
• Turning or tilting head
• Squinting
• Doing better at maths than reading
• Slow to copy from the board
• Frustration and fatigue with near tasks like reading
• Complaints of words “running together” or “swimming” on the page
• Family history of poor reading skills
• Unwillingness to try something new

If you think you child may be exhibiting some of these signs or symptoms, please don't hesitate to call us on (07) 3210 1822 to arrange an appointment with our optometrists. Alternatively, if you have any questions then click here to contact our optometrists.