Q: My child is having some attention issues in the classroom, how can I tell if this could be related to vision?
A: Alex Andrich, OD, FCOVD, The Vision Development Team
Inattention, distractibility and problems focusing on schoolwork have become significant challenges for parents, teachers and students. Underdeveloped vision skills are often at the root of attention issues. There are over 23 vision skills needed for success in the classroom. Children who have deficits in these fundamental skills have trouble with concentration, focusing, and comprehension. Undetected vision problems like Convergence Insufficiency, inefficient eye movements, and deficiencies in eye teaming cause fatigue, frustration and confusion. Sometimes children report that they don’t feel well or have headaches. Often children with vision skill deficits have low self-esteem and anxiety related to school.
80% of learning in the classroom comes through the visual system. Children with eye teaming problems or visual processing problems can be highly distractible, finding it difficult to concentrate and remain on task when the strain on their eyes is so great. In fact, many of these children are often misdiagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorders, Learning Disabilities, or Dyslexia.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) estimates that 1 out of 4 children have a vision problem that interferes with learning. Children don’t always know they have a vision skill deficit. The AOA states that all school aged children should have a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor once a year. While vision screenings with the school nurse or pediatrician are important, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor.
Children with academic challenges should have a specialized Sensorimotor Vision Examination to uncover hidden vision skill deficits. A developmental optometrist goes beyond checking for 20/20 eyesight and will evaluate visual skills needed for optimal functioning in life. The doctor may prescribe stress reducing glasses or an individualized program of Vision Therapy to help develop eye muscle coordination, depth perception, and visual processing skills necessary for success in school.
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