When Learning Seems Murky: Recognising and Helping Children with Vision-Related Learning Difficulties
Imagine trying to navigate a bustling school day through a blurry lens. For children with vision-related learning difficulties (VRLDs), that’s often the reality. These difficulties go beyond needing glasses – they affect how a child’s brain processes visual information, impacting their ability to read, write, learn, and even participate in everyday activities.
The Hidden Hurdles of VRLDs:
While challenges like near-sightedness or farsightedness can be easily addressed with glasses, VRLDs often involve more complex issues like:
- Eye focusing problems: Difficulty maintaining clear vision at different distances, causing blurry text or headaches.
- Eye teaming issues: The eyes struggle to work together, making it hard to see depth or track moving objects.
- Visual perception difficulties: Trouble interpreting what the eyes see, leading to problems with letter recognition, sequencing, and spatial awareness.
Signs that Something’s Not Quite Right:
These subtle signs can indicate a child might be struggling with VRLDs:
- Reluctance to read or close work: Squinting, headaches, or fatigue while reading or doing close-up tasks.
- Poor reading comprehension: Difficulty understanding what they read, despite good decoding skills.
- Trouble with handwriting: Messy writing, poor spacing, or difficulty copying from the board.
- Clumsy or uncoordinated: Bumping into things, dropping objects, or struggling with catching balls.
- Short attention span: Difficulty concentrating or focusing on visual tasks.
Helping Your Child See Success:
The good news is that VRLDs are treatable! With early intervention and the right support, children can overcome these challenges and thrive in school and life. Here’s how you can help:
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam: A qualified optometrist can assess your child’s vision skills and identify any underlying VRLDs.
- Explore vision therapy options: Personalized exercises and activities can help strengthen eye muscles, improve eye teaming, and enhance visual processing skills.
- Partner with the school: Work with teachers and educators to understand your child’s needs and implement accommodations like modified materials or preferential seating.
- Create a supportive home environment: Provide good lighting for reading and workspace, encourage frequent breaks from screens, and offer positive reinforcement for learning efforts.
DeonOptom: Your Partner in Clearer Learning:
At DeonOptom in Norwood, Johannesburg, we understand the unique challenges faced by children with VRLDs. Our experienced team, including our dedicated pediatric optometrist, Deon Hattingh, offers comprehensive eye exams, personalized vision therapy programs, and ongoing support to help your child reach their full potential.
Don’t let VRLDs dim your child’s bright future. Contact DeonOptom today at 066 458 7028 or deon@deonoptom.co.za to schedule a consultation and give your child the gift of clear sight and confident learning.
Early detection and intervention are key to overcoming VRLDs. With the right support, children can learn to see the world and their own potential clearly.
DeonOptom also offers a range of services for adults, including dry eye management, sports vision, and comprehensive eye exams. We are your one-stop shop for all your family’s eye care needs!