Is There an Eye Test for Dyslexia? Unravelling the Truth
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that affects a significant number of individuals worldwide. It is characterised by difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling, often accompanied by challenges in phonological processing. Over the years, there has been much speculation about the connection between dyslexia and visual problems, leading to the question: Is there an eye test for dyslexia? In this blog post, we will delve into this topic, exploring the current scientific understanding, explaining our Specialist Reading Assessments, and debunking common misconceptions.
Understanding Dyslexia
Before addressing the eye test debate, it is crucial to comprehend dyslexia itself. Dyslexia is widely recognised as a neurobiological condition, that primarily affects language processing skills. Research suggests that dyslexia stems from differences in brain structure and function, particularly in regions associated with reading and phonological awareness. Dyslexia can only be diagnosed by a certified dyslexia assessor or qualified educational psychologist.
Visual Factors and Dyslexia
While dyslexia primarily affects language processing, visual factors have been a subject of interest among researchers and clinicians. Some individuals with dyslexia may experience visual stress, also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome or Visual Stress Syndrome. Visual stress is characterised by symptoms like discomfort when reading, perceptual distortions, and increased fatigue and can often be mistaken for dyslexia.
Visual Stress and Dyslexia
It's important to note that visual stress is distinct from dyslexia itself. Visual stress does not cause dyslexia, but it may exacerbate reading difficulties in individuals with dyslexia. Visual stress can occur due to difficulties in processing specific visual patterns, such as text on a page. While the exact cause of visual stress is not fully understood, some theories suggest that it may be related to sensitivity to certain frequencies of light.
Specialist Assessments and Interventions
When addressing visual symptoms, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive assessments that consider multiple factors. A Specialist Reading Assessment at Eye Academy is designed to systematically investigate any visual symptoms that could be causing difficulties, but it is important to know that this will not diagnose dyslexia.
What To Expect During A Specialist Assessment
Prior to the assessment, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire, which will help tailor the consultation to your child’s needs. The appointment will then usually include an assessment of:
· Your child’s spectacle prescription, if any
· Binocular vision – how well the two eyes are working together
· Reading speed (Wilkins Rate of Reading)
· Coloured overlay testing – to assess if the child responds well to different colours
By identifying the presence of visual stress or visual difficulties that could be causing issues, we can tailor interventions, accordingly, combining strategies that target visual challenges that can alleviate many of the symptoms or difficulties.
If you would like to find out more about gaining a diagnosis for dyslexia, please visit The Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity
Vision Therapy and Coloured Overlays
After the consultation, the Optometrist will devise a program of vision therapy if thought to be beneficial. This may include all or a combination of:
· Eye exercises
· Glasses
· Coloured overlays/tints
· Colourimetry
Coloured overlays or lenses are just one of the approaches used to alleviate visual stress. Coloured overlays are transparent sheets placed over text to reduce visual discomfort and improve reading fluency. Some individuals with dyslexia and visual stress find that using coloured overlays helps them read with greater ease and reduces symptoms of visual stress. However, it's important to note that coloured therapy is not a universal solution, and its effectiveness varies from person to person. If a marked improvement of symptoms is found using coloured overlays, your child may also benefit from a Colourimetry Assessment and your Optometrist will discuss the suitability of this with you at your consultation.
Holistic Approach to Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a complex condition that requires a holistic approach. While visual stress may affect some individuals with dyslexia, it is important to recognise that dyslexia is primarily a language-based disorder. By addressing language processing skills and providing appropriate interventions, individuals with dyslexia can make significant progress in their reading abilities. Visual interventions, such as eye muscle exercises and coloured overlays, can be valuable tools to support individuals with visual stress, but they should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
So, Is There an Eye Test for Dyslexia?
No, the idea of an eye test for dyslexia is a persistent myth, as dyslexia is primarily a language-based disorder. However, visual stress, a condition characterised by discomfort and perceptual distortions when reading, may coexist with, or be mistaken for dyslexia. These visual difficulties can be investigated during a Specialist Reading Assessment at Eye Academy. It is important to remember that while coloured overlays and other visual interventions can help alleviate visual stress symptoms, they do not address the underlying cause of dyslexia itself. Comprehensive assessments by certified assessors, that consider both language and visual factors are essential for diagnosing and providing appropriate interventions for individuals with dyslexia.