What Are Vision and Learning Problems

Learning-Related Vision Problems

Learning-related vision problems are vision disorders that interfere with reading
and learning. Often these problems are not due to how clearly a child can see, but
how effectively his or her eyes and brain can acquire and process what they are
seeing. Problems with eye focusing, eye teaming, eye tracking and visual
perception can lead to learning difficulties.

Children often use extra effort to compensate for a vision problem making it more
difficult to remember and understand what they are reading. The harder they
try, the more they can develop symptoms of eye discomfort and fatigue. Behavior
problems may also develop due to frustration felt by students who want to
perform, but don't understand why they can't.

The signs of learning-related vision problems may be similar to those seen in
children with learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD). As a result, some children are mislabeled, when in reality what they
have is an undetected vision problem.

Signs of learning-related vision problems include:

l Losing place and skipping words when reading
l Complaints of blurry vision
l Closing or covering one eye when reading
l Short attention span
l Trouble finishing written assignments
l Errors when copying from the board
l Poor reading comprehension
l Moving head excessively when reading

If a child is struggling in school or performing below his or her potential, a
learning-related vision problem may be the cause.