Is it dyslexia or a vision issue?

Dyslexia is a brain-based learning difference. It is a language-processing disorder and not a vision or eye problem. In contrast to dyslexia specialists and most pediatricians, some optometrists may try to convince you that your child’s reading difficulties are due to vision problems and may recommend vision therapy or glasses. Some well-intentioned (but misinformed) therapists or teachers may even suggest colored overlays to “fix” the problem.

While vision therapy and colored overlays won’t hurt a child, they can put a strain on your bank account. The damage that can result from this is the delay in getting an accurate diagnosis and help in the language and reading realm for your child.

If a child does have a vision issue, it should be treated. Public schools do annual vision and hearing exams and if there is a problem, you will be notified by the school with the results of this screening. You can take this information to an eye doctor for more information.

Making yourself aware of the hallmarks of dyslexia can help prevent falling into the vision trap unnecessarily. If there is a family history of dyslexia or if your child had difficulty learning to read in the younger grades when sounds and letters were being introduced, contact Ascend Learning & Educational Consulting for more information about dyslexia indicators and suggested next steps.