P-250 - Efficacy of vision therapy on reading related visual functions

Abstract

Some evidence suggests that poor reading is partially related to deficiency of visual functions. The efficacy of vision therapy on such visual functions, and in turn reading abilities has been subject of controversy. This study was aimed to evaluate any possible effect of vision therapy on the reading- related visual functions in a sample of Persian speaking students with reading problems. Distance visual acuity (DVA), near visual acuity (NVA), accommodative facility (AF) and saccadic eye movement (SEM) were assessed binocularly on 10 poor readers using Snellen eye chart, reduced Snellen chart at 40 cm, ±2.00 D lenses and fixation- refixation technique, respectively. Their results were compared with a sex, age, educational level matched control group. Poor readers underwent 5 weeks visual therapy for AF, SEM. Poor reader performed lower than controls on AF and SEM at the baseline, but there were no significant difference between groups on other measures. Both AF and SEM were improved following the training course. Visual therapy would improve basic visual functions that may influence reading ability. The later should be tested in further studies.