Vision Therapy and Dyslexia: What You Need to Know

Panoptic Vision
9 hours ago
3 min read

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects the ability to read and write. It is not caused by vision but is linked to how the brain processes written and spoken language. People with dyslexia may have difficulty recognising and working with sounds, which makes reading and spelling more challenging.

The exact cause of dyslexia is not fully understood, but research shows that genetics can play a significant role. Conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are also commonly associated with dyslexia.

Why Vision Still Matters

Although dyslexia itself originates in the brain’s language pathways, some people with dyslexia also experience visual difficulties that can affect reading comfort. These may include:

Trouble keeping place when reading
Difficulty maintaining clear focus
Reversals or confusion between similar-looking letters

These visual issues do not cause dyslexia, but they can add to the challenges of learning to read.

Eye Conditions That Can Present With Similar Reading Difficulties

These conditions do not cause dyslexia but may result in reading behaviours that appear similar. Examples include:

Strabismus (eye misalignment)
Amblyopia (sometimes called “lazy eye”)
Convergence insufficiency (difficulty using both eyes together at near distances)
Refractive errors (such as long-sightedness or astigmatism)

Because these conditions can affect reading behaviour, it is important for children who are struggling with reading to have a comprehensive eye examination. If an eye condition is found, treating it may reduce some of the visual difficulties.

Vision Checklist

Understanding Vision Therapy

Vision therapy is used to address specific visual skill deficits and is supported by evidence for certain binocular vision conditions, but not as a treatment for dyslexia itself.

It is important to note that vision therapy does not treat or cure dyslexia, since dyslexia is a language-based learning difference. However, in cases where visual skills are also affected, vision therapy may assist in reducing visual discomfort and making reading tasks more manageable.

Examples of goals in vision therapy include:

Supporting more accurate eye tracking
Reducing eye strain or headaches linked to visual tasks
Improving the ability to maintain focus on print

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A Team-Based Approach

Management of dyslexia relies on structured, evidence-based reading instruction, often led by educators or speech and language specialists.

If visual problems are also present, optometrists may play a role in providing supportive care through vision therapy or lenses. In some cases, a team approach involving teachers, learning specialists, and eye care professionals can help ensure that all contributing factors are addressed.

Conclusion

Dyslexia is a complex condition rooted in language processing. While it is not caused by vision, eye conditions or visual skill difficulties can sometimes add to reading challenges. Addressing these vision-related factors may provide additional support, but they do not replace the need for specialised reading instruction.

If you or your child is experiencing difficulties with reading, consider arranging a comprehensive eye examination to rule out co-existing vision issues as part of a broader assessment. This helps ensure that vision problems are not mistaken for dyslexia and that any coexisting issues are managed appropriately.

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References: https://www.amblyoplay.com/vision-therapy-for-dyslexia