Most people are familiar with the idea that dyslexia can affect visual language processing. But what do people with dyslexia actually see while reading? And what is it that makes visual disturbances happen in the first place? In this post, we’ll be dispelling some common myths, delving into real examples, and sharing helpful reading tips for those with the condition.
For people without dyslexia, it’s only natural to wonder what it is that those with the condition “see” while reading. But the truth is, although some people with dyslexia may experience visual disturbances, dyslexia isn’t an eye condition; it’s a neurodevelopmental learning difficulty that affects how the brain processes language, particularly written text.
When people with dyslexia see text on a page, a whole range of different phenomena can occur. For example, some people may experience letters appearing to jump around, while others might confuse similar-looking letters that are close in appearance. It can vary greatly from person to person.
It’s estimated that around 30-40% of individuals with dyslexia experience visual perception issues. Yet, since dyslexia isn’t an eye problem, you might be wondering why it is that people with dyslexia experience issues with vision. Fortunately, science offers us some clues.
Various neuroimaging studies have shown that in people with dyslexia, there are differences in brain structure and function, particularly in regions responsible for reading and language. A theory called the magnocellular theory suggests that some dyslexic individuals have deficits in visual pathways responsible for motion and timing, potentially causing letters to appear to move. In addition, wider research points to differences in visual attention, which may affect tracking along lines of text or focusing on specific letters.
As with most neurodevelopmental conditions, dyslexia exists on a spectrum – some individuals may struggle with phonological processing, others with visual difficulties, or both. These challenges are internal and not visible, which can make the phenomena harder for others to comprehend.
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While trying to process language, people with dyslexia may experience any or all of the following:
Thanks to modern tech (and a few clever people with smart ideas), we can now see real-life examples of these visual disturbances like this live simulation by software developer Victor Widell and these common dyslexia distortions by dyslexia expert Holly Swinton.
On her page, Holly makes a vital point about what we assume to be normal. She points out that children may not even realise words are behaving strangely because they expect reading to be the same for everyone. This assumption of what is “normal” is something shared by many people with – and without – neurodevelopmental conditions. If we aren’t told how something should be, we will simply continue to experience the world in the way we do, without questioning it.
Of course, acceptance of what we see as our own “normal” can be healthy and even helpful, but it should never get in the way of us seeking support for the things we find difficult.
While there is little research into the effect of different fonts on dyslexia, many people with the condition suggest that experimenting with different typefaces, text sizes, and colours can make it easier for them to process information.
If you have dyslexia or are experiencing visual symptoms, here are some helpful tips to try out yourself. These can also be helpful for those with ADHD or with combined ADHD and dyslexia.
If you’re seeing letters that appear to wobble or words that jump around, it’s always a good idea to get your eyes checked by an optician. They’re the experts when it comes to your vision, and they can make sure there isn’t anything going on with your eyes themselves that needs sorting out.
Things like needing glasses or having another eye condition can make reading harder, so it’s a sensible first step to rule those out.
If your optician gives you the all-clear, but you’re still experiencing visual phenomena when reading, it’s worth having a chat with your GP. They can assess your overall health and point you in the right direction for further support.
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