Childrens Vision Problems

The first evaluates a child's ability to see clearly and comfortably. This
testing assesses the visual information gathering process that takes place through
the eyes. It looks at:

l How clearly the child can see, and

l How efficiently he or she can aim, focus, move and use his or her eyes together.

The second area that needs to be evaluated is the ability of the brain to use
and respond to visual information. This involves visual perception and visual
information processing skills. These skills allow the child to:

l Recognize similarities and differences in letters, words and numbers.

l Remember what is read or seen

l Coordinate eyes and hands together, and

l Match sounds and visual symbols.

When seeking professional care, it is important to realize that not all eye
examinations are the same. To find out what a comprehensive vision examination
for the school-aged child should include, click on "When is a Vision Exam Needed?".

Does My Child Have
A Vision Problem?

Sometimes parents may rely on the
results of a school vision screening, or
the fact that their child doesn't report
any symptoms, as an indication he or
she doesn't have a vision problem.
But these aren't reliable ways of
determining if a problem exists.

If a vision problem is diagnosed, your doctor can recommend
appropriate treatment. For some children with learning-related
vision problems, eyeglasses may only be part of the solution, or no
solution at all. Problems with eye focusing and eye coordination, as
well as any eye movement, eye-hand coordination or visual
processing problems may require a program of vision therapy to be
successfully treated.

Vision therapy doesen't directly treat reading or learning
problems. Vision Therapy treats vision problems that are
interfering with a child's ability to read and learn. Once
the underlying vision problem is treated, the child will be a more
effective learner.

Most children won't tell you when they have a vision problem. Children often
will not be aware they aren't seeing well. They think the way they see things is the
same way everyone else does. They have nothing else to compare it to but their own
experiences.

If a child is not performing up to his or her potential in school, it may be due to a vision
problem. One of the first steps a parent can take is to arrange for a vision examination.