Optometric Disorders in Children and Adults with Dyslexia

Optometric disorders are likely to increase the difficulties experienced by an individual who is struggling to read. There are some reports of a higher incidence of visual abnormalities in children with dyslexia, but there has been little investigation into adults. We therefore investigated the optometric status of a population comprising children and adults with dyslexia. Fifty-four patients (27 with dyslexia, 27 controls) underwent extensive optometric testing. Measurements included visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, accommodation, and binocular vision testing. There was a higher proportion of individuals with dyslexia presenting with optometric problems compared to controls. For children, the most common diagnoses were hypermetropia and accommodation insufficiency. The results strongly suggest that an optometric examination should be included in the management of dyslexia.