Eye, Vision & Learning

Financial consideration should not be an obstacle to obtaining this important service/treatment for vision problem (refractive errors) – near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism.

Less obvious vision problem such as Visual Processing Disorder (Irlen Syndrome) affect academic and learning performance is considered learning related vision problems. Vision is a complex process that involves not only the eyes but the brain as well. Vision and learning are related.

Functional vision-problem- eye teaming (binocularity), fine eye movements (important for efficient reading), accommodation (focusing, accuracy, flexibility.) Deficits in functional visual skills can cause blurred or double vision, eyes strain or headache that can affect learning. Perceptual vision problem – visual perception includes understanding what you see, identifying it, judging its importance and relating it to previously stored information in the brain – ability to recognise words they have seen and using the eyes and brain to form a mental picture of the words they see.

Most routine eye examination evaluates refractive errors. To quote my SPD parent. “Did you know, statistics say about 80% of our SPD kiddos will also have VISUAL and/or AUDITORY processing deficits?” Yes, it’s true! Vision plays a major role in language and social-emotional development. Children with language delays, attention deficits. pervasive developmental disorders and autism all have inefficient visual systems. If a toddler is not talking, relating to others, a vision evaluation is essential. Given this information, it is something that we, as professionals and/or parents should be acutely aware of. When the brain is not processing visual input correctly, the body tries to compensate by fidgeting, acting out, being disruptive or often defensive. You may see poor handwriting, slowness, and difficulty reading, failure and frustration when trying to finish work, slouching in the seat, leaning head into hands, covering one eye or rubbing both, tapping fingers. These children may also have trouble with gross or fine motor skills. Intensive reading related diagnostic assessment was use to evaluate the functional and perceptual problems that affect learning-related vision problem. Use of filter technology – (clear sight, clear head) U.S Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA), a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes. L.D do not include learning problems that are due to visual, hearing or motor disabilities. A child struggling in school may have a specific learning disability, a learning-related vision problem. A team approach includes the child’s teachers, school’s psychologist, eye doctor, and Irlen Diagnostician who specialise in children’s vision and learning- related vision problem identifying all the contributing causes of the learning problem increases the chances that the problem can be successfully treated. It reduces the overall light transmission and cut out the bothersome light frequencies. CVS – Computer Vision Syndrome. It reduces light transmission and eliminates the bothersome light frequency by filtering out short wavelength of light and allow long wavelength to enter the retina to enhance contrast and eye comfort. The short wavelength of light is responsible for the deterioration of retina and cause Macular Degeneration. It also protects the eyes from infrared wavelength/ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The lens manages overall visible light transmission to allow proper amount of light energy to reach the eyes to maximise functional vision, enhance contrast and provide comfort in reading. Blue and green protect retina against long-term exposure to high energy wavelength which is associated with deterioration of retina resulting in macular degeneration.