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When is a learning difficulty due to a vision problem?
While learning occurs through a number of complex and interrelated processes, vision plays a key role. Many behaviours associated with learning disabilities are similar to those caused by vision problems.
Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate a vision problem:
Symptoms |
Possible vision problems |
| Complaints of blurred vision Rubs eyes frequently Squinting |
Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. |
| Closes or covers one eye Rubs eyes frequently Occasionally sees double Avoids reading |
Eye coordination problems |
| Holds objects very close Complaints of blurred vision Complaints of eyes feeling tired Avoids reading Headaches when reading |
Eye focusing problems |
| Excessive head movements Skips line or words when reading Loses place when reading Uses finger to keep place when reading Short attention span |
Eye tracking problem |
| Mixing up words Difficulty recognizing letters, words, or shapes Trouble learning basic math concepts |
Faulty visual form perception |
| Poor reading comprehension Poor spelling Trouble with mathematical concepts Poor recall of visually presented material |
Faulty visual memory |
| Sloppy handwriting and drawing Poor copying skills Can respond orally but not in writing |
Faulty visual motor integration |
| Trouble learning right and left Reverses letters and words Trouble writing and remembering letters and numbers |
Difficulty with laterality and directionality |
Physical signs or symptoms:
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Blurring of distance or near vision, particularly after reading or other close work
- Avoidance of close work or other visually demanding tasks
- Poor judgement of depth
- Turning of an eye in or out, up or down
- Tendency to cover or close one eye, or favour the vision in one eye
- Double vision
- Poor eye-hand coordination
- Difficulty following a moving target
- Dizziness or motion sickness
Performance problems:
- Poor reading comprehension
- Difficulty copying from one place to another
- Loss of place, repetition, and/or omission of words while reading
- Difficulty changing focus from distance to near and back
- Poor posture when reading or writing
- Poor handwriting
- Can respond orally but can’t get the same information down on paper
- Letter and word reversals
- Difficulty judging sizes and shapes
How to Identify a Vision Problem
Children should be seen for a comprehensive eye examination whenever visual symptoms are noticed or if they are not achieving their potential. Many of these vision problems will not be detected during a a school vision screening or as part of a routine medical check-up.