Vision Problems and Reading: Signs to Watch For in Children

Vision problems and reading: when the eyes make learning harder

Some children work twice as hard to read as their classmates. They lose their place, skip small words, rub their eyes and avoid books altogether. It’s easy to assume they aren’t trying, or that they simply don’t like reading.

Sometimes the real issue is that reading is physically uncomfortable. Vision problems and reading difficulties often go together, and they’re easy to miss, because a child who has always seen this way doesn’t know anything is wrong.

How common are vision problems in children?

More common than many parents expect. Optometry Australia has reported that around one in five Australian children start the school year with an undetected vision problem, while most parents believe their child’s eyesight is fine.

A standard school screening or reading the letters on a wall chart checks how clearly a child sees at a distance. Reading asks for much more: both eyes working together up close, focusing for long periods, and moving smoothly along a line of text.

Signs of vision problems when reading

Watch for these while your child reads or does close work:

• losing their place on the page
• using a finger to keep track of the line
• skipping or mixing up small words
• reversing letters or words beyond the early years
• moving their head a lot instead of their eyes
• tilting or turning the head, or covering one eye
• holding books very close, or avoiding close work
• slumping, or an awkward sitting posture
• frowning, squinting or blinking a lot
• headaches, tired eyes or rubbing the eyes after reading

One sign on its own doesn’t mean there’s a problem. A pattern of several, especially if reading leaves your child tired or upset, is worth checking.

Vision problems and reading: what they are, and what they aren’t

It helps to be clear about this.

Vision problems can make reading harder. If the eyes struggle to team, focus or track, reading becomes slow and tiring, and a child may give up before they’ve had a chance to learn.

Vision problems don’t cause dyslexia. Leading medical bodies describe dyslexia as mainly a language-based difficulty with linking sounds and letters. Researchers have explored visual processing and visual attention in dyslexia, but a vision problem is not the cause. A child can have both, and each needs the right support.

That’s why the first step is always a full eye examination.

Step one: see an optometrist

Optometry Australia recommends a full eye examination before a child starts school, then every two to three years through school, or sooner if you notice signs like those above. You don’t need a referral, Medicare rebates apply, and many optometrists bulk bill.

When you book, mention that your child is having trouble with reading, so the optometrist can check how the eyes work together up close, not just how clearly they see the chart.

If reading is still a struggle after vision has been checked, talk to your child’s teacher and GP about a learning assessment.

Reading, stress and focus

When reading has been hard for a long time, children often start to dread it. That stress makes it harder to concentrate, and the dread makes them avoid practice. The difficulty grows.

I know a little of how this feels from my own childhood. If I was sitting too far away to see the board properly, or couldn’t write my own notes, very little seemed to stay. Learning only worked when I could see it, hear it and do it.

How kinesiology can support learning

Kinesiology doesn’t treat eye conditions or replace an optometrist, a learning assessment or medical care. Where it can help is alongside them.

Through our Advanced Education Program, I work with children on reading, writing, behaviour and learning. Sessions focus on:

• reducing the stress around reading, so children feel safe to try again
• focus and attention, with simple movement and coordination activities
• practical routines for home and school that make reading feel more manageable
• confidence, so a child stops seeing themselves as “bad at reading”

Parents often tell us they notice more motivation, better focus at school and growing confidence. Every child is different, and I don’t promise particular results.

Your next step

If you’ve noticed several of the signs above, book an eye examination with an optometrist first. Then, if reading still feels like a battle, I’d be happy to talk with you about how we can help.

You may also find these helpful:

• Dyslexia and dyspraxia: how kinesiology can support learning
• Handwriting, brain power and kinesiology
• Learning and focus sessions for children and adults

This article is general information only and isn’t medical advice. If you’re worried about your child’s eyes or learning, please see an optometrist and your GP.

References

• Eden, G. F., VanMeter, J. W., et al. (1996). The visual deficit theory of developmental dyslexia. NeuroImage, 4(3), S108–S117.
• Heiervang, E., & Hugdahl, K. (2003). Impaired visual attention in children with dyslexia. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 36(1), 68–73.
• American Academy of Pediatrics and others (2009). Joint statement: Learning disabilities, dyslexia, and vision. Pediatrics, 124(2), 837–844.
• Optometry Australia (2021). Kids’ eye health in focus as one in five children head back to school with an undetected vision problem.