Signs of a vision-related learning problem
Any deficiency in the items listed in this graphic can cause difficulties with learning, including reading and sustaining attention. For example, intermittent double vision can cause print to look smeary, or like it’s moving on the page. This is very distracting and uncomfortable!
Symptoms of a vision-related learning problem
There are many potential symptoms, depending on the area of challenge in eye-brain processing. These symptoms include:
- Holds things very close
- Complains of blurred vision
- Poor reading comprehension
- Says eyes are tired
- Able to read for only a short time
- Has headaches when reading
- Moves head excessively when reading
- Frequently loses place when reading
- Uses finger to keep place
- Short attention span
- Can’t distinguish the main idea from insignificant details
- Mistakes words with similar beginnings
- Trouble visualizing what is read
- Poor speller
- Trouble with mathematical concepts
- Poor recall of visually-presented material
- Sloppy handwriting and drawing
- Can’t stay on lines
- Poor copying skills
- Can respond orally but not in writing
- Trouble learning right and left
- Reverses letters and words
- Trouble writing and remembering letters and numbers
- Trouble learning basic math concepts of size, magnitude and position
- Difficulty recognizing letters, words or simple shapes and forms
Treatment of a vision-related learning problem
A comprehensive vision-and-learning examination is needed to evaluate the patient’s visual abilities, beyond a glasses prescription and eye health evaluation. A Visual Information Processing evaluation will evaluate the patient’s visual processing abilities. This will give a full picture of the patient’s ability to use their eyes, brain and body together.
Glasses may be prescribed to help a patient sustain near focus. Additional therapy or nutritional treatments may be recommended, depending on the patient’s needs.
Vision therapy will treat the patient with a developmental approach: working on the patient’s visual function from the ground up. Our therapy is individualized to meet each patient’s specific needs, because each patient’s brain is different!
Mid-therapy evaluations will ensure we are making progress, to meet the goals of the doctor and the patient.