European journal of molecular biology and biochemistry

EFFECT OF VISUAL DYSFUNCTION ON READING PERFORMANCE IN CHILDREN: AN EXAMINATION OF MISTAKES, PRECISION, AND READING RATE

Dr. Devi Bharathi D1*, Dr. Mahima Suhas

Abnormal visual function, Reading abilities, Ocular alignment, Visual acuity, Reading impairment

Reading development in children may be influenced by visual function. This study investigated the relationship between anomalous visual function (AVF) and reading performance in school-aged children, with a focus on identifying whether visual anomalies contribute to reading difficulties. Methods: A total of 672 children aged 6–11 years participated, including 110 children with AVF and 562 children with normal visual function (NVF). Visual assessments included autorefraction, visual acuity, ocular alignment, near point of convergence, accommodation, stereopsis, and vergence. Reading ability was evaluated using a 34-word verb list, assessing error count, reading accuracy (percentage correct), and reading speed (words per minute). Sociodemographic information was collected from 670 parents and 34 teachers. Results: Children with AVF made more reading errors (3.00 vs. 1.00; p < 0.001), had lower accuracy (91.18% vs. 97.06%), and read more slowly (24.71 wpm vs. 27.39 wpm; p = 0.007) compared to NVF children. However, in third grade, reading speed differences between AVF and NVF groups were not statistically significant (31.41 wpm vs. 32.54 wpm; p = 0.113). Children with uncorrected hyperopia and astigmatism performed significantly worse on reading tests (p = 0.003). Reading difficulties were more prevalent in first-grade students and diminished in higher grades. Conclusion: Anomalous visual function is associated with reduced reading performance in early primary school children, especially in first grade. Visual anomalies, such as uncorrected hyperopia and astigmatism, may mimic dyslexia symptoms. Early visual screening is recommended to differentiate visual deficits from learning disorders and to provide timely interventions