Thursday, January 7, 2010

Dyslexia is not a problem of Vision or Opthalmology

Below is an Abstract from a scientific paper in the US Journal of Pediatrics.
This article discusses at length the possible causes and effects of Dyslexia in children and in particular, it explores the argument that vision and the use of eye exercises can improve the condition.

ABSTRACT
Learning disabilities, including reading disabilities, are commonly diagnosed in children. Their etiologies are multifactorial, reflecting genetic influences and dysfunction of brain systems.

Learning disabilities are complex problems that require complex solutions. Early recognition and referral to qualified educational professionals for evidence-based evaluations and treatments seem necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.

Most experts believe that dyslexia is a language-based disorder. Vision problems can interfere with the process of learning; however, vision problems are not the cause of primary dyslexia or learning disabilities.

Scientific evidence does not support the efficacy of eye exercises, behavioral vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses for improving the long-term educational performance in these complex pediatric neurocognitive conditions.

Diagnostic and treatment approaches that lack scientific evidence of efficacy, including eye exercises, behavioual vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses, are not endorsed and should not be recommended.


2 comments:

  1. "Diagnostic and treatment approaches that lack scientific evidence of efficacy, including eye exercises, behavioual vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses, are not endorsed and should not be recommended."

    This seems to be an exceedingly high standard considering the people that put out the statement are unable to do anything about dyslexia themselves.

    I suggest a different standard that does eliminate most of the above. The standard I suggest is that the above products do very little to identify who would or would not benefit from those programs.The other major flaw is that generally there is absolutely no guarantee.

    The exception to that is See Right Dyslexia Glasses that identify a visual dyslexia minority with the criteria that they must be able to describe a visual problem that makes reading difficult. That's simplistic approach of identifying who might or might not be helped by self reporting of visual problems that make reading difficult is surprisingly a large leap forward.

    The general problem with visual therapies for dyslexia is they promote themselves as being effective for all dyslexics. This is definitely not the case as most dyslexics do not have visual problems that impair their reading ability. Because visual therapies promote themselves as solutions for almost all learning disabilities or failure rate is so high that consumers looking for dyslexia help are continually disappointed and also financially penalized because there is no guarantee.

    This is diametrically opposed from the visual dyslexia solution offered by See Right Dyslexia Glasses whose focus is on removing described visual problems that make reading difficult for visual dyslexics. By limiting marketing to those dyslexics that could benefit by removing visual problems the success rate of the See Right Dyslexia Glasses allows for money back guarantee.

    As the results of the See Right Dyslexia Glasses become apparent immediately upon using the glasses will they are not a product that could in any way delay getting proper help if they are not effective for an individual. This is a legitimate concern for things like visual therapy that take months to see results and may take credit for other factors that happened during that period of time.

    For more information about See Right Dyslexia Glasses, their guarantee and visual dyslexia you can visit www.dyslexiaglasses.com .

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  2. Thanks for your comprehensive comments

    Ken

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