Hidden Vision Challenges
& Their Link to Success in the Classroom

Vision is one of the most important tools a child needs to succeed in the classroom.

Around 70% of classroom learning is done through visual means, yet up to 1 in 5 children in every classroom struggle with vision-related learning challenges that often go undetected. These hidden visual problems can manifest as difficulty with reading, writing, eye tracking, attention, self-esteem and behavioral challenges. Vision difficulties are not just limited to seeing the board clearly, and often children have no idea that what they are experiencing is not normal.

As a child progresses in school, there is an increasing demand on their visual systems. The print tends to get smaller and the emphasis and time spent on reading quickly increases. When the visual system is not working correctly, this increase in demand can lead to headaches, eyestrain, double vision, decreased tracking ability, poor reading comprehension, frustration, poor self-esteem and several other symptoms. Below is a list of common signs and symptoms of vision-related learning problems that your child may be struggling with:

• Complaints of eyestrain or fatigue
• Eye rubbing
• Avoidance of near work and reading
• Does better when read to
• Losing place while reading
• Holding reading material close to face
• Tilting head or covering/closing one eye
• Double vision or reports of words moving or swimming on the page
• Headaches
• Frustration and increased anxiety with school and school work
• Mismatch between what you know your child is capable of versus how they perform
• Decreased attention span with near work

A comprehensive developmental eye exam not only checks for clear vision, but also evaluates critical visual skills such as eye tracking, eye focusing, eye teaming, eye-hand coordination and the ability to work comfortably at close distances. These visual skills which are all vital for success inside and outside of the classroom.

For more information, please visit: www.adirondackpediatricvision.com