Published online July 27, 2009
PEDIATRICS Vol. 124 No. 2 August 2009, pp. 837-844 (doi:10.1542/peds.2009-1445)
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow View responses
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow E-mail this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My File Cabinet
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via CrossRef
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Related Collections
Right arrow Neurology & Psychiatry
Social Bookmarking
Add to CiteULike   Add to Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us   Add to Digg   Add to Facebook   Add to Reddit   Add to Technorati   Add to Twitter  
What's this?

JOINT STATEMENT

Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Vision

American Academy of Pediatrics, Section on Ophthalmology, Council on Children with Disabilities, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and American Association of Certified Orthoptists

ABSTRACT

Learning disabilities, including reading disabilities, are commonly diagnosed in children. Their etiologies are multifactorial, reflecting genetic influences and dysfunction of brain systems. Learning disabilities are complex problems that require complex solutions. Early recognition and referral to qualified educational professionals for evidence-based evaluations and treatments seem necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. Most experts believe that dyslexia is a language-based disorder. Vision problems can interfere with the process of learning; however, vision problems are not the cause of primary dyslexia or learning disabilities. Scientific evidence does not support the efficacy of eye exercises, behavioral vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses for improving the long-term educational performance in these complex pediatric neurocognitive conditions. Diagnostic and treatment approaches that lack scientific evidence of efficacy, including eye exercises, behavioral vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses, are not endorsed and should not be recommended.

Key Words: learning disabilities • vision • dyslexia • ophthalmology • eye examination


Add to CiteULike CiteULike   Add to Connotea Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us Del.icio.us   Add to Digg Digg   Add to Facebook Facebook   Add to Reddit Reddit   Add to Technorati Technorati   Add to Twitter Twitter    What's this?

The following policy statement has been revised:

Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Vision: A Subject Review

Pediatrics 102: 1217-1219. [Full Text]



This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 ScienceHome page
J. R. Skoyles and B. C. Skottun
Conflicting Data About Dyslexia's Cause
Science, October 9, 2009; 326(5950): 228 - 229.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AAP NewsHome page
L. O'Keefe
No quick cures for dyslexia * Eye exercises, tinted filters or lenses, behavioral vision therapies 'ineffective' in treatment of learning disabilities: joint statement
AAP News, August 1, 2009; 30(8): 13 - 13.
[Full Text] [PDF]

eLetters:

Read all eLetters

Response to the Joint Statement "Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Vision"
Marjean Taylor Kulp, et al.
Pediatrics Online, 26 Aug 2009 [Full text]
Vision Therapy has Value
Alan kwasman M.D,, et al.
Pediatrics Online, 2 Sep 2009 [Full text]
Evidence-based Medicine or Bias?
David H. Biberdorf, OD, FCOVD
Pediatrics Online, 13 Sep 2009 [Full text]