Children with reading and writing difficulties may be misdiagnosed with dyslexia when the issue is actually related to their eyesight. Dyslexia affects reading abilities in intelligent individuals, but some children may have both dyslexia and vision problems, while others only have issues with their eyesight. Three common eye problems can mimic dyslexia symptoms: difficulty with left and right directions, visual fatigue, and poor eye movement control. Experts in both dyslexia and eye problems should evaluate the child to accurately differentiate between the two. In some cases, a child may have both dyslexia and an eye problem, requiring separate solutions. Consult professionals specializing in dyslexia and eye therapy for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Hemianopia is a condition causing vision loss in half of the visual field, often due to stroke, brain tumors, or injuries. It affects 1 in 1000 people and one-third of stroke rehabilitation patients. In Malaysia, treatment options include the Peli Lens™, which offers a wider visual expansion field, and vision therapy for scanning. The Peli Lens™ is generally preferred due to its effectiveness and cost-efficiency. The “EP” Expansion Prism system is another tool that helps detect obstacles in the blind field, especially during movement. Its fitting process is simple and affordable, with a 50% acceptance rate at 12-month follow-up.

Researchers at Saarland University have developed a new therapy for “binocular fusion dysfunction,” a condition that disrupts the brain’s ability to merge images from both eyes, causing vision problems. This condition affects around 20% of stroke patients and up to 50% of those with brain injuries. The therapy involves a six-week training program that helps improve coordination between the eyes. After the training, all participants showed significant improvement in merging images and depth perception. The findings also suggest that damaged brain areas could recover with appropriate therapy.