Serving Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont & Areas Nearby in Colorado
Most of us understand the concept of vision clarity or visual acuity. Intuitively, one needs sharp vision to see small print. What can be confusing is the concept that a bright individual, blessed with clear vision better than 20/20, can have difficulty with reading.
Symptoms can include:
- Difficulty in keeping print clear after several minutes of reading
- Fatiguing quickly when reading (students may show signs of frustration)
- Print moving around and sometimes appearing to "float" or even go double
- Losing your place or skipping words
- Headaches associated with reading activities
- Poor reading comprehension – needing to read and re-read until it finally "sticks"'
- Loss of interest in reading – "Reading is boring!"
The physical act of reading includes a complex association of accommodation (focusing), convergence (turning the eyes inward to lock in on a near target such as print), and tracking (following a string of words within a sentence). These skills work separately and together. An initial examination will determine a patient's eye health and refractive error (i.e., glasses prescription).
It is often the case that reading difficulties are due entirely to changes in eye health or prescription. If the reading issues cannot be explained by these changes, we will make a special appointment to measure and address the individual reading skills. After assessing eye health and reading skills, we will make treatment recommendations. Students living with reading and near-point difficulties are at risk of not performing to potential and developing avoidance behaviors.
Vision Challenges in Children and Literacy
For school-aged children, vision plays a critical role in learning to read. Undiagnosed vision issues can lead to frustration, poor performance in school, and even behavioral problems. Signs that a child might be struggling with vision-related reading challenges include:
- Holding books very close to their face
- Rubbing their eyes frequently
- Complaining about headaches or tired eyes
- Avoiding reading or struggling to sound out words
Early diagnosis and treatment ensure children have the best chance at academic success. Regular eye exams can reveal problems before affecting literacy and confidence.
Solutions and When to Seek Help
If you or your child experiences any of the above symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is the first step. Corrective lenses, vision therapy, or other treatments can often resolve issues and improve reading ability. Adults experiencing eye strain or focus problems may also benefit from updated prescriptions or specialized care.
Vision therapy may be an option for conditions like convergence insufficiency, helping train the eyes to work together more effectively.
Why Choose Kirk Eye Center
At Kirk Eye Center, you'll receive expert care from one of Northern Colorado's most trusted ophthalmologists, Dr. John D. Kirk, MD, FACS. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Kirk has been practicing in Loveland since 1991 and is recognized as one of the area's most experienced eye surgeons. With decades of experience, he has built a reputation for delivering compassionate, high-quality care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Dr. Kirk is a leader in his field, consistently staying at the forefront of advancements in ophthalmology. As an early adopter of innovative treatments and technologies, he ensures that every patient can access the most effective solutions for their vision needs. The team at Kirk Eye Center treats patients like family, helping to achieve optimal vision and eye health. You can trust Dr. Kirk and his experienced team to provide you with the highest standard of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What treatments are available for vision-related reading issues?
Treatments vary depending on the specific vision problem. Options may include corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses), vision therapy to strengthen eye coordination and tracking, prisms to improve eye alignment, or lifestyle modifications such as improved lighting and reduced screen time. In some cases, specialized tools such as tinted lenses or reading overlays can be helpful.
What is the difference between eyesight and vision when it comes to reading?
Eyesight refers to how clearly a person sees letters and words (sharpness of vision). Vision, however, is a broader term that includes eye coordination, tracking, focusing, depth perception, and visual processing. Someone may have “20/20 eyesight” but still struggle with reading if their vision skills are weak.
Can vision issues be mistaken for ADHD in children?
Yes. Children with vision problems may struggle to focus on reading tasks, appear restless, or avoid near work—behaviors that can mimic ADHD. A thorough vision exam can help determine whether attention challenges are truly behavioral or vision-related.
How often should children with reading difficulties have eye exams?
Children with suspected or diagnosed reading difficulties should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. If a vision problem is identified, follow-up visits may be recommended more frequently to monitor progress and treatment.
Can reading glasses alone solve all vision-related reading problems?
No. While reading glasses can correct focusing issues like farsightedness or presbyopia, they don’t address problems with tracking, eye coordination, or visual processing. A comprehensive eye evaluation is necessary to determine if additional treatments are required.
Can vision therapy help children improve their reading?
Yes. Vision therapy can be highly effective for children who struggle with eye coordination, tracking, or focusing. Strengthening these skills enables children to read more comfortably and confidently, often leading to improved comprehension and academic performance.
How does screen time affect children’s reading vision?
Excessive screen time leads to eye strain, fatigue, and difficulty focusing up close, which may interfere with reading. Long hours on digital devices may also increase the risk of myopia (nearsightedness). Regular breaks and outdoor play can help balance visual demands.
How can an eye exam detect vision problems related to reading?
A standard eye exam checks clarity of sight, but a functional vision exam goes further by evaluating eye teaming, focusing, tracking, and visual processing. These tests help identify whether hidden vision problems may be contributing to reading struggles.
What is accommodative dysfunction, and how does it impact reading?
Accommodative dysfunction is a condition affecting the eyes’ ability to switch focus between near and distant objects. For readers, this can mean blurred vision, eye strain, or losing their place in text. It often makes reading for extended periods very uncomfortable.
How can parents and teachers support children with vision-related reading issues?
Parents and teachers can support children by encouraging regular eye exams, providing good lighting for reading, limiting screen time, and allowing extra time for assignments. They can also collaborate with an eye doctor or vision therapist to follow through with exercises or treatment plans that improve visual skills.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
Don't let vision problems hold you or your child back from enjoying the world of reading. Call us at (970) 669 - 1107 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam today to ensure clear vision and optimal reading performance. Your eye health is key to literacy and lifelong learning.