How Does Visual Impairment Affect Learning

Did you know 80% of the brain is visual?

The extensive knowledge and memory we acquire is due in large part to our eyesight. As stated in the Journal of Behavioral Optometry, 80% of what we learn is obtained through visual processing of information.¹ In fact, it’s been found that our brains rely on our eyes so much that our vision accounts for two-thirds of the electrical activity of the brain. In more scientific terms, two of the three billion electric firings per second are due to what we see and the information the brain processes.²

With vision being the primary sense by which we learn, it’s easy to understand how poor vision can significantly interfere with an individual’s ability to learn and cause learning related vision problems. This is especially true for young children

Vision Issues are a Leading Cause of Disability in the U.S.

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development describe learning as a process that occurs through a number of complex and interrelated processes, where vision is a key contributor. At such young ages, children lack the ability to fully communicate what they are feeling and experiencing. Furthermore, visually impaired children may not know that what they are seeing (or not seeing) is incorrect and a call for concern.

Vision problems and certain eye conditions are the fourth most prevalent class of disability in the United States and visual disabilities are one of the most predominant conditions in childhood.³

Learning Difficulties Are Commonly Linked to Vision Problems

With more of our neurons dedicated to vision than the other four senses combined, weak eyesight is commonly the culprit to learning issues. However, even though some signs, symptoms, and behaviors of learning difficulties are extremely similar to those of vision problems, assessing a child’s eyesight isn’t part of the solution nearly enough.

How does visual impairment affect learning? Take a look:

• Vision problems affect 1 in 20 preschoolers and 1 in 4 school-aged children.⁴
• An estimated 10 million children below 10 years of age have vision problems which affect their ability to learn.⁵
• Reports have highlighted the fact that children with reading problems exhibit a greater than 50% prevalence of visual deficiencies in eye focusing problems, eye tracking problems or poor eye alignment as compared to normal achieving peers.⁵
• As many as 80% of children who compete with a reading deficiency show insufficiency in one or more basic vision skills, such as eye focusing problems and eye tracking problems.⁵

Arguably more concerning, students with visual impairments can experience a lack of direction, feel insecure and inadequate, and embody a scarce sense of self-assurance.

Why an Annual Eye Exam by a Children’s Eye Doctor is Critical to Social, Emotional and Academic Success

It’s normal and necessary for children to focus at near and far distances for prolonged periods of time to accomplish certain tasks – like sustained reading for at least 15 minutes. A true indicator of a vision-related learning issue is when a child cannot complete a near-sighted activity – like writing, reading, and fun work books.

While the American Optometric Association (AOA) encourages parents to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams at approximately 6 months of age, three-years of age, and just before first-grade (around age five),⁶ only about 14% of children in the US have had an eye exam by the age of five or six.⁷

If a child is not achieving their potential in school or enjoying even fun learning activities, a comprehensive pediatric eye exam should be part of the evaluation period when trying to understand the ‘why’ behind the struggle. It’s crucial to note that the majority of vision problems are not detected during a routine school vision screening. These vision assessments typically only test a child’s distance vision. But to get a complete picture of a child’s vision and an accurate diagnosis of any vision issues, the following must be tested:

• Near vision (critical for reading and writing)
• Focusing skills
• Binocular coordination
• Eye movement skills
• Peripheral awareness

When a child’s vision is thoroughly checked by a children’s eye doctor every year, a lot can begin to turn around. Not only will learning and coordination skills improve – such as reading, writing, comprehension, recognition, and recollection – but a child’s cognitive, emotional, neurologic, and physical development will improve; frustration with the learning process will subside; self-esteem can drastically increase.

A Successful School Year Starts with a Healthy Eye Exam by a Children’s Eye Doctor

Children learn best with clear, comfortable vision. With more than 12.1 million school-age children – or one in four – living with some form of a vision problem, and with studies showing that 60% of students identified as problem learners have undetected vision troubles, it’s crucial that a child’s vision is assessed before the beginning of the school year to give them a healthy start.

The ability to see clearly and possess adequate vision skills is key to a successful education and future, and with the right help, your child doesn’t have to contend with the effects of visual impairment on learning. At iCare Vision, we’re committed to your child’s vision and ensuring that their eyesight is promoting a healthy lifestyle. With school back in session, it’s never too late to schedule a pediatric eye exam. Request an appointment today to help your child have a bright year.

Resources:

¹Journal of Behavioral Optometry. Children’s Vision Care in the 21st Century & Its Impact on Education, Literacy, Social Issues & the Workplace: A Call to Action. Accessed August 10, 2018. https://www.oepf.org/sites/default/files/journals/jbo-volume-22-issue-2/22-2%20Zaba.pdf.

²The Sniper Mind. Your mind Does All the Seeing. Accessed August 10, 2018. https://thesnipermind.com/blog/your-mind-does-all-the-seeing.html.

³College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Signs & Symptoms of Learning-Related Vision Problems. Accessed August 10, 2018. https://www.covd.org/page/symptoms.

⁴Healthy Day, News for Healthier Living. Vision Problems Can Harm Kids’ Development, Grades. Accessed August 10, 2018. https://consumer.healthday.com/eye-care-information-13/eye-and-vision-problem-news-295/vision-problems-can-harm-kids-development-grades-724812.html.

⁵PaTTAN Educational Video Series. Vision and Learning. Accessed August 10, 2018. http://www.pattan.net/presentation/download/index.php?presentation_id=624&download_id=2427&file_name=Presentation%20Slides&content_type=pdf.

⁶All about Vision. Eye Exams For Children. Accessed August 10, 2018. https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/children.htm.

⁷VSP Vision Care. The Importance of an Eye Exam by Age. Accessed August 10, 2018.
https://visionbenefits.vsp.com/dms-inline/pdfs/client-resources/wellness-information/life-stages.pdf.