A Parent’s Guide to Identifying and Addressing Vision-Related Challenges
Many children struggle in school, but what if their difficulties aren’t caused by a learning disability but rather a vision Issue problem?
Remember, undiagnosed vision problems can mimic conditions such as dyslexia or ADHD, making it difficult for children to perform well in school. At Lauder & Rees, we provide comprehensive eye examinations to ensure that children have the best possible visual health to support their education.
The Link Between Vision and Learning
How the Eyes and Brain Work Together for Learning
The human brain relies heavily on visual input, especially in early education where children learn through reading, writing, and board work. Equally if the eyes fail to provide clear and coordinated vision, it can lead to difficulties with:
- Reading – Clear near vision is needed to see words on a page.
- Writing – Eye coordination helps with handwriting and spacing.
- Board Work – The ability to shift focus from the board to paper is crucial.
- Attention and Focus – Vision issues can make it difficult to concentrate, leading to frustration.
Common Vision Problems That Affect Learning
Refractive Errors
One of the most common undiagnosed issues in children is refractive errors, including:
- Myopia (Short-Sightedness) – Difficulty seeing the board clearly.
- Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness) – Straining to focus on close-up reading.
- Astigmatism – Blurry vision at all distances.
Binocular Vision Dysfunction
Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) occurs when the eyes struggle to work together, causing:
- Eye strain
- Double vision
- Dizziness and headaches
- Difficulty with depth perception
Convergence Insufficiency
A common issue in children, convergence insufficiency makes it difficult to keep both eyes aligned when focusing on close work. This can result in:
- Blurry vision when reading
- Skipping words or lines
- Fatigue while studying
Children’s Vision Issues vs. Learning Difficulties – How They Are Confused
Children with vision problems may show behaviours that resemble learning difficulties, such as:
- Struggling to keep up with reading assignments
- Avoiding homework or close-up tasks
- Difficulty remembering what they’ve read
- Poor handwriting and coordination
Since these symptoms overlap with dyslexia, ADHD, and processing disorders, many children are misdiagnosed. At Lauder & Rees, we conduct specialised vision screenings to rule out vision-related causes.
Signs Parents and Teachers Should Look For
Recognising the signs of a vision problem early can prevent unnecessary struggles in school. Some common indicators include:
Reading and Writing Issues
- Holding books too close or too far away
- Losing place while reading
- Frequent rubbing of eyes
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches, dizziness, or nausea after reading
- Watery or red eyes
- Complaints of seeing double
Classroom Behaviour
- Avoiding board work
- Easily distracted during lessons
- Covering one eye to read
If your child shows any of these signs, scheduling an eye test at Lauder & Rees can help determine if vision is the underlying cause.
The Importance of Regular Eye Tests
School vision screenings may not always catch every issue. Furthermore, a comprehensive eye examination at Lauder & Rees can identify hidden vision problems, including:
- Prescription changes
- Focusing and tracking difficulties
- Coordination between both eyes
We recommend that children have their first eye test at six months, again at age three, and then annually during school years.
How Lauder & Rees Supports Children’s Vision
At Lauder & Rees, we recommend an eye test before starting school with a recheck once a year, although our Optometrist suggests a return visit in 3 or 6 months.
How Parents Can Support Children with Vision Problems
At Home
- Encourage regular breaks during screen time.
- Ensure proper lighting for reading and studying.
- Observe any unusual eye-related behaviours.
At School
- Inform teachers of your child’s vision condition.
- Request seating arrangements that suit your child’s needs.
- Encourage them to use reading rulers or magnifiers if necessary.
Addressing Digital Eye Strain in Children
With increased screen time, digital eye strain is becoming a concern. Symptoms include:
- Dry, itchy eyes
- Difficulty focusing after screen use
- Headaches and tiredness
To reduce strain, we recommend:
- The 20-20-20 rule – Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Using blue light filtering lenses.
- Adjusting screen brightness to match room lighting.
At Lauder & Rees, we offer blue-light blocking glasses to help children reduce screen-related eye fatigue.
FAQs About Children’s Eye Care
Q: How early can vision problems be detected in children?
A: Babies can have their first eye test at six months old. Also, If you notice unusual behaviour, book an eye test sooner.
Q: Does my child need an eye test if they passed a school screening?
A: Yes, school screenings don’t detect all issues, such as eye coordination problems.
Q: Can wearing glasses make my child’s vision worse?
A: No, prescription glasses help correct vision and support eye development.
Book Your Child an Eye Test at Lauder & Rees Today!
If your child is struggling with schoolwork or showing signs of a vision problem, don’t wait. Book an appointment at Lauder & Rees today for a comprehensive eye examination.