Reading difficulties and vision – how to tell if eyesight is making reading harder

Reading difficulties and vision – how to tell if eyesight is making reading harder

Reading places high demands on the eyes. If vision is not optimally corrected, concentration can drop, lines may blur together and fatigue can set in quickly. Glasses do not treat dyslexia, although not all diagnoses are always accurate, but the right visual correction can reduce strain. Here are the signs to look out for and how we can help you or your child.

Reading difficulties in children can be linked to vision problems

Signs of vision-related reading strain

  • Headaches after homework or reading
  • Tired eyes and short reading stamina
  • Lines that seem to jump or difficulty finding your place in the text
  • Holding the book very close or unusually far away
  • Difficulty focusing on the same line for longer periods
  • Text becoming blurred or confusing, sometimes after just 20 minutes

Common vision problems that affect reading

  • Myopia (short-sightedness): Blurred vision at a distance, such as the board in a classroom
  • Hyperopia (long-sightedness): Strain during close work like reading
  • Astigmatism: Uneven focus that can cause fatigue
  • Accommodation and binocular vision: The eyes need to work together, even small imbalances can make reading more demanding

How an eye examination can help

We assess visual acuity, refractive errors, binocular vision and accommodation. If a vision problem is identified, we prescribe glasses or contact lenses to reduce strain. We also review ergonomics and lighting, adapting our advice to school, work and daily life.

Book an eye examination

At home – simple habits that make a difference

  • Good lighting and appropriate contrast
  • Follow the break rule during longer reading sessions
  • Maintain the right reading distance, not too close, which can be assessed if needed
  • Use larger line spacing and create a calm environment for homework

When to seek additional support

If reading remains difficult despite proper vision correction, there may be other underlying causes. In that case, it is advisable to contact the school or healthcare services for further assessment. We are happy to collaborate and can share our findings if needed.

Find us

Birger Jarlsgatan 2, Stockholm. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–18:00
Saturday 11:00–16:00

FAQ

Can reading difficulties be caused by vision problems?

Yes. An undetected vision issue or binocular vision problem can make reading more demanding. An eye examination can help rule out or confirm whether vision is a contributing factor.

Do glasses help with reading difficulties?

Glasses can reduce strain if a vision problem is present. They do not treat dyslexia, but visual correction can still make reading more comfortable and manageable. In some cases, symptoms can be improved even when a diagnosis has been made.

When should you book an appointment?

If you experience headaches, tired eyes, short reading stamina, jumping lines or if you suspect your vision is not sharp enough.

What do you test during an examination?

Visual acuity, refractive error, binocular vision and accommodation. We also review ergonomics and lighting.

Where is the practice located and what are your opening hours?

Birger Jarlsgatan 2 in Stockholm. Monday to Friday: 10:00–18:00.
Saturday: 11:00–16:00