What is fixation disparity?

A common dysfunction caused by poor eye cooperation is fixation disparity.

When you look at something, both eyes should focus on the same point. When this doesn't happen correctly, you fixate (look) disparately (incorrectly). The brain is unable to merge the images from both eyes into a single picture, which makes your vision unclear. This can cause blurry vision or restless behavior.

What causes fixation disparity?

Fixation disparity is a vision issue, but there is often nothing wrong with the eyes themselves. It means the eyes don't work well together; this is what we call binocular vision. Besides sharp vision, it's important that your eyes cooperate properly. With fixation disparity, the issue may lie partly in eye cooperation, but also in how the brain processes images. Often, fixation disparity occurs on its own without a clear, demonstrable cause.

Common symptoms of fixation disparity

• Concentration and behavioral problems

• Mixing up numbers, letters, or words

• Slow spelling and 'guessing' while reading

• Difficulties with reading comprehension

• Skipping letters or words

• Messy handwriting

• Headaches, fatigue, neck and/or back pain

• Burning, itchy, or watery eyes during visual effort

• Coordination problems (eye-hand)

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to have a standard eye test at Oogwereld. If visual symptoms are the result of poor eye cooperation, a standard test isn't enough. In that case, you should consult an eye specialist for binocular vision (eye cooperation). This type of binocular exam can also be performed at Oogwereld.

Dyslexia and fixation disparity

Fixation disparity can occur alongside dyslexia. A child with fixation disparity often shows symptoms associated with dyslexia. For example, children with dyslexia have more difficulty reading, spelling, and writing than non-dyslexic children of the same age and intelligence level. People with dyslexia also process new information (sounds, words, text) more slowly than others.

When eye function is disrupted, the sense of hearing automatically takes over some of the information processing. For children with fixation disparity, their hearing becomes overstimulated; there's so much 'noise' that they get distracted easily. Over time, concentration or behavioral issues may also arise, often out of frustration or as compensatory behavior.

Since dyslexia is a lifelong condition, it’s important to provide children with the right support and tools. Research shows that this can help limit potential learning delays.

Supporting children with fixation disparity

In the Netherlands, teachers, internal supervisors, remedial teachers, and any medical professionals at schools are well-trained and knowledgeable. In close collaboration with these professionals, we can support children with issues like fixation disparity together. A child will notice a huge difference with a good, custom-fitted pair of glasses. School performance improves, helping the child regain confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of "I can do this". So, it is very important that children with dyslexia also have their eyes tested to rule out any visual problems.

Eye exams and advice

The strictest standards are applied to an eye exam for fixation disparity. Oogwereld follows a specific protocol to ensure the right help is provided. If an issue is found in the visual system and there are symptoms, visual training and/or glasses will be recommended. If necessary, a referral to an orthoptist or ophthalmologist will be made. If the exam shows no vision issues, we refer you to professional dyslexia centers.

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Feel free to call one of our boutiques in your area to find out more about the possibilities.