Eye Coordination (Binocular Vision) and
Focus (Accommodation Problems)

Normally when we read or write our eyes automatically focus on the reading material, and work to keep it in focus over the period of reading or writing. This should occur automatically and easily through the focusing process called accommodation.

However, some people’s eyes focus less than normal for the close reading position (called accommodative or focus weakness or insufficiency) resulting in fatigue of the focus system (accommodative or focus fatigue) as it works harder to try and maintain clear vision. This fatigue can result in a number of symptoms:

• Headaches, usually at the front of the head or temples, from extended reading.

• Eyestrain symptoms such as burning, watering or tiredness .

• Intermittent blurring of reading, resulting in blinking or squinting to keep it clear.

• Holding the book closer than normal.

• Looking up from reading may take a few seconds or more to come clear, so that children may in fact only complain about the board being blurred, even though the problem starts with reading.

• Reduced concentration, as the subconscious effort to focus reduces the mind’s ability to process the information; typically people notice their mind wandering easily.

• Reduced comprehension for the same reason, where focus effort reduces ability to process information; typically people notice they are reading but not taking it in and having to go back and read over again (and again). Note: Children usually don’t mention reduced concentration or comprehension; it is more obvious by observing their reading patterns and quality.

• Children may demonstrate reduced reading fluency when reading at night, or miss words, lose their place, miss a line etc., and generally become easily distracted due to the fatigue of reading after a school day.

• Many people reduce the effort by reducing their reading load without realising it; children with this common problem often avoid reading whenever possible.

Focus fatigue usually can be treated easily with spectacles and sometimes exercises which help you eyes to focus accurately as well as maintain focus for extended reading or other near visual tasks such as computer work. This almost always results in reduced headaches and eyestrain, improved concentration and comprehension, and in many cases a return of the desire to and enjoyment of reading.