Vision problems can cause children and teens difficulty reading and learning, even if they’ve been diagnosed with 20/20, or “perfect,” vision, according to the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). Some researchers estimate that more than 60 percent of problem learners suffer from undiagnosed vision problems contributing to their difficulties.

“Parents don’t realize that you need over 15 visual skills to succeed in reading, learning, sports and in life. Seeing ’20/20’ is just one of those visual skills,” says COVD spokesman and Arizona Cardinals player Larry Fitzgerald, who suffered from a developmental vision problem as a child. Developmental vision problems include conditions such as convergence insufficiency, which prevents a patient’s eyes from working correctly and makes reading difficult.

The five most common signs that vision problems may be impairing a child or teen’s reading and learning are:

1.       Skipping or re-reading lines;

2.       Poor reading comprehension;

3.       Taking much longer to complete homework than reasonably expected;

4.       Reversing letters, such as “b” and “d,” when reading; and

5.       A short attention span for reading and school work.

See COVD’s Web site at www.covd.org for a more comprehensive list of symptoms.

Most developmental vision problems can be treated, but not all eye doctors test for them or offer therapy. Ask your family’s optometrist whether he or she tests for and treats developmental vision problems, or visit COVD’s Web site to search for providers near your home.

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Visit Prevent Blindness America at www.preventblindness.org for more information about eye problems and family vision care.