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Reduced reading performance linked to binocular vision anomalies
A significant percentage of children with reduced reading ability often present with abnormal binocular or accommodative test results, according to a study.
The investigation was carried out retrospectively in a cohort of 121 schoolchildren 6 to 14 years old who had an Individual Education Plan (IEP) due to reduced reading performance (ReIEP), according to the criteria set by the Ontario Ministry of Education, Canada. All visual and binocular functions were assessed to find possible correlations between reading problems and binocular anomalies.
Refractive error, more frequently hyperopia than myopia, was found in 19% of the children. Ocular alignment tests showed that 35% of the children had a near phoria that fell outside normative values. Tests for fusional vergence showed abnormal near base-out (BO) break in 54% of the children and abnormal distance base-out (BO) break in 41%.
“This suggests that a decrease in a child’s fusional vergence could cause difficulty in maintaining binocularity for performing tasks such as reading,” the authors wrote.
This association between reading problems and binocular vision anomalies should be verified in further studies, according to the authors. In addition, all school-age children, and especially those with reading problems, should be assessed for binocular vision and accommodative status, “to ensure proper diagnosis and management.”
Study author Lisa W. Christian, OD, FCOVD, FAAO, told Primary Care Optometry News, “The findings in this study further support the association between vision and learning and suggest that tests for binocular vision should be included in a comprehensive eye examination for all school-age children, especially children identified with a reading problem. Teachers and parents should be proactive in referring children with reading difficulties to an accredited optometrist for examination. In this way they will prevent vision anomalies from affecting the child’s learning ability and school career.” – by Michela Cimberle
Disclosure: The authors reported no relevant financial disclosures.