Signs of Learning-Related Vision Problems

Teachers and parents are in the best positions to take note of any signs of a learning-related vision problem.

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A Wide Variety of Problems

There are many different learning-related vision problems that can impact a child’s academic performance. Skills like hand-eye coordination, reading ability, and ability to focus are all tied, in no small part, to vision.

These issues can only be formally diagnosed by an eye care professional, but there are numerous noticeable signs that can indicate there is a problem, and it is important for both parents and teachers to recognize these so that if noticed, the child can receive proper diagnosis and treatment.

If an issue is recognized and dealt with quickly, it can prevent a small problem from becoming something bigger.

Why This Matters

Experts say that approximately 80 percent of what a child learns in school is done visually. Good vision is essential if a child is to reach their full academic potential.

In addition to the obvious academic difficulties these problems can cause, they can also harm a child’s self esteem at a critical point in their life.

Signs to Watch For

Here is a non-exhaustive list of signs that may indicate a child is suffering from a learning-related vision problem.

Frequent squinting
Difficulty reading for long periods
Complaints about eyes “feeling tired”
Frequent rubbing of the eyes
Difficulty keeping the place while reading, or relying on using a finger to mark their place
Poor reading comprehension
Trouble focusing or paying attention, especially for extended periods of time
Frequent covering or closing of one eye
Complaints of blurred or double vision
Regular headaches, especially while reading
Difficulty visualizing or recalling things based on something that was read
Trouble learning basic math concepts such as size, position, and magnitude
Sloppy handwriting and drawing, difficulty staying on or within lines, or difficulty copying notes from the board
Having little to no difficulty responding orally while struggling with responding in writing
Reversal of letters or words while reading or writing

What To Do

If any of these symptoms appear, the child’s parents should be informed both about the problem and of the fact that it might be a vision issue (as opposed to a learning disability.) The parents’ responsibility is then to bring their child to an eye care professional so their vision can properly be examined, and any issues treated.