Why Your Child Hates Reading: It Might Be a Vision Problem, Not Laziness or ADHD

At Dr. Newman Optometry, we frequently see children who have excellent eyesight but still struggle with reading. That’s because 20/20 vision doesn’t mean the visual system is working properly. For many young learners, the challenge lies in how their eyes work together, track words, and process visual information.

The Hidden Vision Problems Affecting Reading

Vision is more than seeing clearly. When a child reads, their eyes must focus, track accurately across the page, and work in perfect coordination. If any part of this system is weak, reading becomes stressful and exhausting.

Some common functional vision problems include:

•           Convergence insufficiency: Difficulty keeping both eyes aligned on close-up tasks, causing double or blurry vision.

•           Poor eye tracking: Trouble following lines of text, leading to skipped words or sentences.

•           Accommodation issues: Challenges shifting focus between near and far, such as copying from the board.

•           Visual processing delays: Difficulty understanding or remembering what they read, even though they can see it clearly.

These vision issues often mimic behavior conditions. A child may seem distracted, frustrated, or unmotivated - not because they don’t care, but because reading takes tremendous effort.

Signs Your Child May Have a Vision-Related Reading Problem

Watch for these symptoms:

•           Losing place while reading

•           Frequent headaches or eye rubbing

•           Short attention span during close work

•           Complaints of text appearing to move

•           Slow or avoidant reading behaviors

•           Difficulty with reading comprehension

If these behaviors sound familiar, a standard eye exam may not be enough. Children need a functional vision exam to assess how well their eyes work as a team.

Vision Therapy: A Proven Path to Better Reading

The good news is many of these vision problems are treatable. Vision therapy in Beverly Hills is a tailored program of eye-brain exercises designed to strengthen visual skills and improve reading performance.

With the right treatment, children often show:

•           Improved reading speed and accuracy

•           Better focus and comprehension

•           More confidence in schoolwork

•           A renewed love for learning

Parents are often amazed by how much changes once the visual system is working properly.

Take the First Step Toward Easier Reading

If your child struggles with reading, it’s worth ruling out an underlying visual issue before assuming it’s laziness or ADHD. Dr. Newman is an experienced eye doctor in Beverly Hills, CA who specializes in children’s functional vision testing and binocular vision care.
 

Contact Dr. Newman Optometry to schedule a functional vision exam and learn how vision therapy can make a life-changing difference. Visit our office in Beverly Hills, California, or call (323) 653-4078 to book an appointment today.