If dyslexia is suspected, examine eyes

If dyslexia is suspected, have your eyes examined

28/09/2011

As the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) points out, not every alleged dyslexia (reading-spelling weakness) in children actually has to be one. In quite a few cases there is a visual disturbance and therefore the children can not read or write properly. Parents should therefore consult with their children an ophthalmologist in case of suspected dyslexia to clarify a possible eye defect. A visual aid (glasses) could already help many small patients.

A sharp image of the text to be read on the retina is a basic prerequisite for being able to read and write properly. „A sharp image of the text on the retina is an important prerequisite for learning reading and spelling“, explained Professor med. Susanne Trauzettel-Klosinski, who heads a special outpatient clinic for the visually impaired at the University Eye Hospital Tübingen. However, not all children who need visual aids will have problems reading and writing afterwards. The visual disturbance in these cases is not the cause of dyslexia, but occurs parallel to it.

Although the cause of true dyslexia is not yet finally scientifically clarified, eye disease is not, according to Trauzettel-Klosinski. A scientifically widely accepted cause is a phonological processing deficit, that is, a deficit in speech processing, which, when read, manifests itself in the difficulty of converting letters into sounds. An additional visual deficit in processing fast-paced stimuli has been described, but probably affects only a subset of dyslexics, the ophthalmologist said.

In the run-up to this year's DOG Congress, the experts warned against scientifically unsound therapies such as prismatic lenses or glasses with color filters. The use of these glasses can not correct the reading-spelling weakness and may even promote even squinting. „It may also require surgery for some children.“ explained the expert. (Sb)

Picture: Nicole Müller