Facts About Vision for Children with Reading Difficulties

LD and Dyslexia

Eighty percent of all we learn is acquired visually. Reading is first and foremost a visual task. Comprehension depends on many factors but a good visual input is the first requirement.

Some people will tell you "Reading is in the brain, not in the eyes." That is partly true but most people are not aware that the retinas in the eyes are a part of the brain. In fact, they are the only moveable part of the brain.

Most eye tests for children only look for "20/20" but that is not enough for reading. 20/20 means you can see small objects clearly at a distance of twenty feet. But no one reads a book at 20 feet.

• Comfortable and efficient reading requires many visual skills
• Good focus at twelve to fourteen inches
• Good control of the eye movements to keep your place
• Good coordination of the eyes so they both see the same thing
• Good awareness of the surroundings so the eyes change lines correctly

NONE of these skills are tested in screenings at school or at the pediatrician's office, nor are they tested in most doctors' eye examinations.

Behavioral Optometrists make special tests of all these skills to determine whether the eyes are ready to read.

Your child needs a full vision examination, with tests of visual skills for near work:

• Before entering school
• Annually throughout the school and college years
• Any time there is a complaint about difficulty reading or seeing the chalkboard
• If the school performance falls off or the child avoids reading
• If the child is not performing up to his/her potential

Eighty percent of what we learn is acquired visually. Don't let your child fall behind. Our office specializes in the visual needs of children. We will be pleased to make appointment now to evaluate your child's vision.