An analysis of the role of vision anomalies in reading interference

Several reviews of the literature have shown a relation between vision anomalies and reading problems. The studies have been correlational - comparative in nature and thus have not established causal relations. This paper suggests that before experimental studies are conducted to establish causation, studies of the process by which vision anomalies produce reading interference need to be conducted. The paper discusses the factors to consider in studying vision and reading interference. The factors are: nature of the vision anomaly, type and severity of symptoms produced, type of reading interference (perceptual or functional deficiency), amount and type of near task demands, reading skill, and reading development stage.