Visual Training Methods Are Ineffective for Dyslexia

Population-based study data showed no association between vision problems and dyslexia risk.

The American academies of pediatrics and ophthalmology do not support visual training as an effective treatment for dyslexia — a receptive, language-based learning disability that reduces decoding skills, fluent word recognition, and reading comprehension skills. To date, studies evaluating the possible association between ophthalmic abnormalities and dyslexia have been limited to small case-control studies set in schools or clinics. Now, results of the first population-based study of this issue are available.

Using data from a large, longitudinal, birth-cohort study of child development in the U.K., investigators conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data on vision abnormalities and dyslexia from 5822 children (aged 7–9 years). Standardiz…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics