Eye Tracking Issues
Eye tracking issues and dyslexia are separate but commonly co-occurring challenges. Eye tracking is a physical or neurological difficulty controlling eye movements, while dyslexia is a language-based processing disorder. Both severely disrupt reading, making the combination of Orton-Gillingham instruction and targeted vision support an effective duo.Â
How Eye Tracking Impacts Reading
Eye tracking deficits involve the eyes' inability to work together, make smooth movements, or stay still on a line of text. Common signs include:
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Frequently losing one's place when reading or copying
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Skipping, reversing, or omitting words
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Rubbing eyes or complaining that words seem to "move" or "float"
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Experiencing eye strain or headaches
The Role of Orton-Gillingham
Orton-Gillingham is an evidence-based, multisensory approach highly effective for various reading difficulties. It teaches the foundational building blocks of language: phonemes, phonics, and morphology - in a systematic, cumulative way.Â
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Language vs. Vision: While Orton-Gillingham perfectly addresses the phonics and decoding deficits, it does not fix physical eye tracking issues.Â
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Multi-sensory Support: Orton-Gillingham's focus on "trace, say, and write" helps ground a student, acting as a great multi-sensory crutch while they build physical skills.Â
Why You Need Both
Many specialists recommend tackling both the language-based issue (using Orton-Gillingham) and the visual-motor issue (using vision therapy or corrective tools) simultaneously for the best reading outcomes.
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Vision Therapy: Programs designed by a neuro-developmental optometrist can strengthen eye muscles and improve tracking, fixations, and focusing.Â
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Accommodations: Your tutor can use larger fonts, high-contrast text, or reading rulers to anchor the eyes to the page.Â
https://rieyeinstitute.com/article/eye-tracking-problems-in-children
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https://gbvisiontherapy.com/vision-and-learning/vision-and-dyslexia
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https://www.optometrists.org/vision-therapy/guide-vision-and-learning-difficulties