Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums GT Research Help! Research linking early reading and glasses?

Here's me with my OT hat on: Reading requires visual skills of convergence (moving the two eyes to come together and focus on a near point target; aka "going crossed eyed" when done to the extreme) and near acuity. Children are naturally far sighted, sometimes up until 5 years of age, so near acuity is typically not as good. Because most kids aren't reading before 5, the farsightedness is not an issue. But when a farsighted kid reads early then it *IS* an issue. It makes reading difficult and puts a strain on the young eyes.

Convergence also develops over time and is sometimes an issue, called "convergence insufficiency". This means that the eye muscles have difficulty holding that position so that both eyes are focused on the near target. Sometimes younger children with poor muscle development have difficult with this. If the child is reading then the issue is evident and a problem. For the typical child, the convergence insufficiency may not be noticed or problematic until later in school when reading and writing.

I'd say that doctor's comments were perhaps backwards. She seemed to imply that the reading caused the need for glasses, but perhaps it is more likely that the glasses are needed to make reading easier. Glasses for near point vision typically reduce eye strain.

What does KG say when he reads with and without the glasses? Does he notice a difference? Why did you take him to an eye doc in the first place? Was he having problems or just a routine checkup?

I had a three year old that I was treating who I felt needed glasses and sure enough the eye doc agreed. The preschool staff were shocked that the little guy kept his glasses on all day. Of course he did! He needed them and he knew it, even if he couldn't articulate it! And the great thing was that once he got his glasses he all of a sudden could sit at the table and do the fine motor and visual motor stuff that he wouldn't do before!! Imagine that!

I agree with others. If your ex disagrees he should get a second opinion. And if KG says the glasses help, end of discussion. He needs them!

LOL -- KG doesn't say the glasses help; he's too busy wiggling his nose, trying to get used to the feel of them. He's doesn't have a big issue; I think, as you said, they're meant to reduce eye strain for him. Obviously he can read fine without them, but I think you're right -- they'll make it easier for him.

We went to the doctor for a routine checkup; since both ex-h and I are near-sighted, I want to keep up on it with KG. So I just take him for a check-up every year.



This is what I was thinking. I was hoping to find that in a paper somewhere; my ex is a grad student and puts great faith in research. And no, he won't take him to another doctor. He's happy in his head that KG doesn't need glasses and won't listen to another word about it. The way he sees it, the kid reads fine, the end. (I know, I know ... Kriston, you're right -- he's passive-aggressive/agressive/a jerk about 98% of the time.)

Mamaandmore -- thank you! Those are interesting ... Ex-h will probably say, "KG's not a child in Singapore so they aren't valid."

Can I ask one other question of those whose kids have reading glasses, as long as I've got your attention? The eye doctor said they were for reading, computer, homework, etc. Can he keep them on all day at school? Any idea if they'd make it harder for him to read the board? I just can't picture this kid not losing these glasses in two days at school if left to his own devices, putting on, taking off, putting on, etc. Can he put them on in the morning and take them off after school, except for homework?

I suppose I could just call, but I'm lazy.

We are going to try having DS keep his glasses case on his desk. When he is doing seatwork or reading he can put them on. If he is going outside, he'll take them off and put them in the case. When it's time to come home, he'll put the case in his backpack. I am doubtful about whether a 5 year old can remember all that, but I'm going to give it a try.

Oh, and I have to get DD to remember to take out and put in her retainer for eating and sports. It's more expensive than the reading glasses!

My dd9 wears her reading glasses most of the day. She keeps an extra case at her desk and takes her glasses off for PE, recess and lunch.

Thanks for the input -- I guess we'll have him do that same sort of thing.