Astigmatism affects reading fluency
Astigmatism causes blurred vision at any distance, linking it to decreased performance on low-level vision tasks. Wearing glasses to correct the problem may boost reading fluency up to one grade level!
Young school age children won’t know that they have astigmatism; they don’t generally come to a parent or teacher and say that they can’t see, draw, or read at their grade level.
In contrast to comprehensive eye exams, vision screening programs can miss problems and give a false sense of security for those who ‘pass’ but who, in fact have issues. Comprehensive eye exams allow a doctor to provide continuing care and encourage spectacle compliance – a common problem – by talking with the children and their families about proper use and adherance.
