August 13, 2024

Back to School Blues? Why 20/20 isn?t enough

I used to think I didn?t like to read because I was stupid. Now I realize it was a problem with how my eyes work. After years of crying every single day before school, this…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

I used to think I didn?t like to read because I was stupid. Now I realize it was a problem with how my eyes work.

After years of crying every single day before school, this is the first year he said during the summer he is excited to return.

Every August, many parents face resistance from their children about returning to school. For some, it?s due to the loss of outdoor fun that is the hallmark of summer time. But for too many kids, the dislike of school comes from the fact that they struggle academically.

Have a look at this abbreviated checklist to see if one or more patterns apply to your child:
  • Skips lines/repeats lines or loses place while reading
  • Uses a finger while reading
  • Skips or omits small words
  • Reports words moving or overlapping
  • Sees double
  • Avoids small print (reads graphic books)
  • Poor spelling
  • Letter reversals (past age 7)
  • Sloppy writing/letter formation
  • Poor hand-eye coordination
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty paying attention to near work
  • Trouble completing assignments on time
  • Low interest in academic work
Many children who struggle with reading or attention issues in school actually have underlying issues with how their visual system works. Most of them may have also had vision tests where they were found to have normal ?20/20? vision, demonstrating that they were able to see the small letters on a chart positioned at the end of the room (and up close if tested for near vision, as well). However, there are other visual skills that are crucial to reading and academic success that may not have been evaluated. These include:
  • Eye tracking skills ? eyes correctly following a line of print
  • Eye teaming skills ? two eyes working together as a synchronized team
  • Eye teaming ? simultaneously blending the images from both eyes into one image and coordinating all movement
  • Accommodation ? eye focusing
  • Visual-motor integration ? eye-hand coordination
  • Visual performance ? attention, and processing

These issues are not related to intelligence because the problem lies with how the eyes are coordinated and how the brain processes the incoming information. The analogy that I give to most parents is that of a computer. A computer requires its hardware or physical components to be properly installed and in working order. However, the software of the computer is what allows the information to be processed, the components to talk to each other, and for commands to be accurately executed.

Now, most of the kids that I see have already passed regular eye exams and vision screenings because their ?hardware? is fine ? all the physical components are there and are healthy. However, the most important processes for reading, comprehension and sustained attention (to reading), actually come about within the ?software?. This is where the brain learns to control the eyes accurately, interprets and then processes the information given to it by the eyes.

What does this all really mean? Quite simply, as I often explain to my younger patients: ?Sometimes your eyes and your brain don?t always know how to talk to each other. It has nothing to do with how smart somebody is but can make reading and school work much more difficult than it needs to be.?

All children that are being considered for a learning disability assessment should have their tracking, visual coordination, and visual processing evaluated. In fact, a study in Ontario just showed that many children on IEP?s have these problems. Furthermore, there are also many children who don?t reach their potential, who just get by well enough to avoid being red flagged at the school. This can include students who are working very hard to maintain satisfactory grades or children that are often referred to as ?just not trying?.

One parting thought for parents this year: If your child fights you over doing reading or school assignments, remember that it may be because it is less stressful for him or her to fight with you than it is for them to do the work. The behaviour is secondary to the underlying issues.

If any of the above pertains to your child or if you would like to rule out a tracking or visual processing difficulty, please find your nearest developmental optometrist. They will be able to assist you in diagnosing and treating these conditions.

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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.