Visual Input and Signs of Eyesight, Focusing or Eye Teaming Problems

Vision is a process of the eyes gathering information from the outside world, the visual pathways sending the information to the brain, and the brain then deciphering the information and making decisions about what has been seen.

Learning is 80% visual. So, it’s important that the visual system is working its best to contribute to the learning process. This means every step of the process needs to be working well.

The first stage is visual input. This is the work of the eyes. The eyes need to send a clear, effortless and image to the brain.

Clear: this requires good eyesight. It is important to correct any myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism first.

Effortless: this requires a strong, flexible focusing system. It is important to correct any accommodation dysfunctions first.

Single: this requires the two eyes to work well together as a team (binocular vision). It is important to correct any oculomotor dysfunction, fixation disparity, amblyopia and/or strabismus first.

Glasses or vision therapy are often used to correct any eyesight, focussing or eye teaming problems.

Signs of eye teaming problems

Covers/ closes one eye during near work
Complains of double vision
Holds head at an odd angle during near work
Loses place whilst reading
Complains of eye strain/ tired eyes
Complains of headache
Complains of words moving on the page            
Inattentive
Poor reading comprehension
Skips words or lines when reading

Signs of focusing problems

Complains of blurred vision when reading    
Blurred vision when looking from desk to board
Complains of headaches                                          
Rubs eyes/ eyes water frequently
Holds reading material very close
Inattentive                                                      
Poor reading comprehension
Is unusually tired at the end of the day
Short attention span whilst reading
Complains of eyestrain

Signs of eye tracking problems

Loses place whilst reading
Skips words/ lines whilst reading
Uses finger or ruler to keep place
Short attention span whilst reading
Moves head excessively when reading
Difficulty with hand-eye coordination in ball sports

If you are concerned that your child may demonstrate any of these symptoms, we recommend you book an appointment with our Behavioural Optometrist.