Learning Disabilities
We are frequently consulted by families, pediatricians, and teachers regarding reading and learning disorders in children.
A comprehensive pediatric ophthalmologic examination will determine if there are any vision problems requiring eyeglasses, eye muscle imbalances like convergence difficulties, or ocular health issues that may be contributing to any reading or learning disability.
Dyslexia
At its core, dyslexia is a disorder in which diagnosed individuals have a problem processing language; it is not a visual disorder. Early screening, early diagnosis, early evidence-based reading intervention, and appropriate accommodations are what dyslexic individuals need most.
Other Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities involve disorders in which a child has trouble accomplishing certain tasks, which include reading, writing, listening, speaking, or concentrating. Learning disabilities are caused by issues regarding how the brain processes information seen or heard. Learning disabilities are not caused by eye problems. Children with learning disabilities are not more likely to have a vision problem than children without a learning disability.
When we read, the brain normally connects the words we see with their meaning or familiar experiences we’ve had that relate to the words. However, children with learning disabilities struggle to process these connections.
While learning disabilities are not due to eye problems, these children should have a full comprehensive eye exam to eliminate any secondary visual problems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to determine your individual eye health and create a treatment plan that works best for you and your family.