Dyslexia: What is it?
Dyslexia means poor word recognition. Although vision is involved, dyslexia is mainly a language processing problem. This learning disability affects reading and also writing, particularly spelling. Dyslexia results in specific patterns of reading dysfunction, as opposed to general reading dysfunction caused by such broad factors as poor visual or auditory skills, lack of education, attention problems, and reduced intellectual capacity. General factors adversely affecting reading must be accounted for in the diagnosis of dyslexia.

These factors are addressed in the Studt Center for Vision Therapy at the Eye Care Center (ECC). ECC faculty consultants are part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals to whom our patients may be referred. Other members of the team consist of physicians, psychologists, educators, and other professionals who are concerned with learning disabilities.

When general factors affecting reading are accounted for, specific testing for dyslexia is done. Dyslexia comes in all ages, from kindergarten through college. Faculty optometrists and student clinicians at OCF test for three basic types of dyslexia: 1. Dysnemkinesia ("motoric"); 2. Dysphonesia ("auditory"); and, 3. Dyseidesia ("visual"). The dysnemkinetic type is associated with letter reversals when writing linguistic symbols; for example, doy for boy. Letter reversals, as well as other right/left problems, can often be treated successfully with optometric vision therapy. The two other types of dyslexia require special educational therapy. The dysphonetic type of dyslexia results in poor word attack skills (phonetic decoding) and transposition of letters when writing, for example solw for slow. The dyseidetic type of dyslexia results in poor sight-word recognition and inaccurate spelling, although phonetically correct, for example, bisnis for business.

Both children (as young as kindergartners) and adult patients can be screened or tested for dyslexia at ECC. When the type and severity of dyslexia are determined, appropriate referrals for educational therapy can be made. Educational therapy could then be carried out at the child’s school or other locations. Educational therapy for adults may be given at local settings, for example, by Literacy Volunteers of America. Appropriate referrals can also be made when other evaluations or therapies, such as for attention deficit disorders, are indicated. Vision Therapy at ECC may be recommended if contributing problems such as poor eye teaming, tracking, focusing, and visual perceptual processing are found in combination with dyslexia.

Call 714.449.7430 for information on scheduling and fees.