How Visual Skills Impact Reading

Published on

September 24, 2024

Is your child struggling with reading? You may be surprised to learn that vision, not intelligence, could be the root of the problem. Research conducted by Harvard’s Margaret Livingstone, PhD, found that up to 75% of children with reading problems have underlying visual skill issues. These issues like poor eye tracking or eye coordination make reading harder and more tiring.

How Visual Skills Affect Reading

Visual skills refer to the ability of the eyes to work together, track across a page, and focus on reading material. When these skills are underdeveloped, children may find it hard to keep their place while reading, or they may feel tired and frustrated. This leads to reading avoidance and falling behind in school.

Harvard’s Findings: Visual Skill Deficits in 75% of Struggling Readers

The research from Harvard’s Margaret Livingstone, PhD, highlights how common visual problems are among struggling readers. While 10-25% of the general population has visual skill deficits, this number jumps to 75% among children with reading problems. Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD explains that improving these visual skills through vision therapy can make a dramatic difference. Once children learn how to coordinate their eyes and track words properly, they often become confident readers—and the best part? These skills stay with them for life, just like riding a bike.

How Vision Therapy Can Help

Vision therapy is a series of personalized exercises designed to improve the visual skills needed for reading. By strengthening the eyes’ ability to track and focus, children can improve their reading ability, increase comprehension, and reduce frustration. For example, we recently worked with a 10-year-old from Frankfort who had been struggling with reading for years. After a few months of vision therapy, her reading improved dramatically, and she began to enjoy books for the first time.

Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential

If your child is struggling with reading, consider a developmental vision exam. These exams go beyond standard eye tests and assess how well the eyes work together. By identifying and addressing visual skill deficits early, we can help children catch up and succeed in school.

Schedule a Vision Evaluation Today

At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD provides comprehensive vision evaluations and therapy programs to help children improve their visual skills and become confident readers. With offices in Versailles and Somerset, we serve families across Central and Southern Kentucky. To schedule an appointment, call us at 859-879-0089 or visit https://nvpinstitute.com/