Vision Problems and Learning

Children don't always realize that they are having vision problems, afterall their vision is the only vision they have ever known. It’s important to be on the watch for signs that suggest your child may be struggling to see. Some of the more common signs include:

• Blurry vision or double vision
• Squinting or holding objects close to the eyes
• Headaches or eye strain
• Turning or tilting the head or covering or closing one eye
• A strabismus (turned eye)
• Excessive blinking
• Rubbing, tearing, itchy or burning eyes

Most of these signs are fairly intuitive, but there is a long list of other signs and symptoms that are linked to vision and learning that aren’t so obvious. Some of these include:

• A dislike of near work (for example, a dislike of playing with Lego)
• A short attention span
• Day dreaming during work time
• Skipping words, letters or lines when reading or taking notes from the board
• Using a finger or moving the head to track when reading
• Trouble reading, difficulty remembering what was read or poor comprehension
• Delayed learning of the alphabet
• Persistent letter, number or word reversals
• Problems with laterality
• Not completing assignments on time
• Difficulty with geometric shapes
• Poor hand-eye coordination
• Poor performance in school
• Behaviour problems

If your child is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to address the issue with your family’s doctor of optometry. Treatments such as vision therapy or reading programs may be needed to help with the underlying vision problem. If you are the least bit concerned, book an appointment today with your local doctor of optometry.

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