Why Is My Child Struggling to Read Even Though They Have Good Grades?

As a parent, it can be confusing when your child earns good grades but still struggles with reading. You may notice that they avoid reading for pleasure, take longer to complete homework, or lose their place when reading aloud. While many assume reading struggles stem from intelligence or effort, the truth is that vision can play a much bigger role than most people realize.

Vision Problems That Affect Reading

Reading isn’t just about seeing the words clearly -it’s about how the eyes and brain work together to process visual information. Even children with perfect 20/20 eyesight can have underlying vision problems that interfere with their ability to read comfortably and efficiently.

Some common vision problems tied to reading difficulties include:

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) - When one eye is weaker than the other, the brain may suppress input from that eye, leading to reduced depth perception and poor visual tracking.

• Strabismus (Eye Turn) - Misalignment of the eyes can cause double vision or visual confusion, making reading uncomfortable.

• Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) - Even if eyes appear straight, they may not coordinate smoothly. This can cause blurred vision, eye strain, and difficulty maintaining focus on text.

• Convergence Insufficiency - Difficulty turning both eyes inward to focus up close can make it hard to read without skipping words or losing place on the page.

• Tracking Problems - Inaccurate or jerky eye movements can cause a child to reread the same line, omit words, or struggle to follow text across a page.

• Visual Processing Delays - Even if the eyes are healthy, the brain may struggle to quickly interpret and organize visual information, slowing down reading speed and comprehension.

Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For

Children don’t always realize they have a vision problem - they assume everyone sees the way they do. Parents and teachers are often the first to notice signs such as:

• Avoiding reading or homework that involves reading

• Holding books very close or tilting the head to see better

• Complaints of headaches or eye strain after reading

• Reversing letters or words

• Reading well out loud but struggling to understand what was read

• Performing well in math, science, or oral work but falling behind in reading and writing

If these behaviors sound familiar, a specialized vision evaluation could reveal an underlying problem.

How Vision Therapy Can Help

Vision therapy is like physical therapy for the eyes and brain. It uses a customized series of exercises, activities, and tools to strengthen visual skills and improve how the eyes work together.

At Texas Vision Therapy, treatment plans may include:

• Eye teaming exercises to improve binocular coordination

• Tracking and scanning drills to help the eyes follow text smoothly

• Convergence training to reduce eye strain during near work

• Visual memory and processing activities to improve reading comprehension and recall

• Use of lenses or prisms when necessary to support proper alignment and focus

Over time, children build the visual foundation they need for confident reading, better academic performance, and a renewed enjoyment of learning.

Discover If Vision Therapy Can Unlock Your Child’s Potential

If your child is excelling in most subjects but continues to struggle with reading, the issue may not be a lack of effort - it may be a vision problem. A comprehensive vision evaluation can uncover hidden challenges that standard eye exams often miss. With the right therapy, children can unlock their full academic potential and approach learning with confidence.

At Texas Vision Therapy, we specialize in identifying and treating vision problems that impact reading and learning. Schedule a functional vision evaluation and help your child build the visual skills they need to thrive. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (832) 684-9833 to book an appointment today.