Dyslexia Reading Disorder Not Caused by Vision Problems, New Research Shows

Contrary to popular belief, dyslexia reading disorder is not caused by eyesight problems, according to a new research.

In the study, researchers found that patients with dyslexia do not necessarily have eyesight problems. Scientists analyzed data from more than 5,000 eye tests of children, ages seven to nine, with normal vision. When compared to the results of children with dyslexia, researchers found similar rates, according to Science Times.

Dyslexia is a learning disability characterized by difficulty in reading because of the inability to distinguish letters and words, according to Mayo Clinic. Dyslexia affects one in five students in the U.S. and similarly affects males and females, according to the statics by Utah Dyslexia Center.

There are many alternative therapists who treat the condition by focusing on the eyesight of the patient, according to Belfast Telegraph. An initial consultation could cost £100 to £200, but its effectiveness is now question, given the results of the research.

"We want to spread the word that if you look at a whole population of children with dyslexia, very few of them have vision problems," study co-author Dr. Cathy Williams of the University of Bristol said.

"Some practitioners feel that vision impairments may be associated with dyslexia and should be treated. However, our study results show that the majority of dyslexic children have entirely normal vision on the tests we used. Families now might want to ask: what visual impairment is actually being treated, how is it measured, and what is the evidence that treating it will help a child with dyslexia?" Bristol added.

"Our findings may reassure families that their child's sight is very unlikely to be affecting their reading ability (assuming the patient has normal vision) and so they can pursue other options for supporting their child," Dr. Alexandra Creavin, lead author of the research published in the journal Pediatrics, from the University of Bristol, said in a press release.

In an interview with MedPage Today, the authors said that dyslexia management should not be based on the patient's ability or inability to read.

"There is a lack of robust epidemiologic evidence to suggest that [ophthalmic] therapies are effective in improving outcomes for those with dyslexia," the researchers said.

"Fortunately there are treatments and training programs to help children with dyslexia that do have a good evidence base, including training in phonics (sounds of letters or groups of letters)," Dr. Creavin said, adding that word analysis, reading fluency and comprehension may produce better outcomes.