Dyslexia: An overview

Abstract

Dyslexia is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in learning to read despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence and a balanced sociocultural background.  Dyslexia is the most common type of learning disorder.  Reading difficulties affect a child’s academic achievement.  As primary eye care practitioners, optometrists have a role in attending to patients who may present with symptoms indicative of dyslexia, therefore an understanding of dyslexia will be beneficial to the optometrist.  This paper presents an overview of dyslexia and discusses its prevalence, aetiology, classifications, neural pathways involved in reading, theories, neuro-imaging techniques and management options. The role of optometry in the multidisciplinary management of dyslexia is discussed.  (S Afr Optom 2011 70(2) 89-98)