John R. Griffin

Dyslexic Subtypes and Severity Levels: Are There Gender Differences?

The prevalence of dyslexia among 100 children participating in a longitudinal study was examined. At age 10 years, The Dyslexia Screener (TDS) test, a direct assessment of coding skills used in reading and spelling, was administered. The incidence of suspected dyslexia of borderline or worse severity among boys and girls was not significantly different, nor did males and females differ significantly in terms of TDS-suspected dyslexic types of severity levels. Results challenge the widely held belief of an increased incidence of reading disability among males and, in conjunction with findings from other recent studies, underscore the need for establishing objective and reliable screening procedures in addition to teacher referral in identifying children in need of special services. Possible factors mediating previous estimates of incidence and the implications of these findings are discussed.

Efficacy of vision therapy for nonstrabismic vergence anomalies.

A review of the literature published in the past 15 years was carried out to determine the effect of visual training on vergence measurements for nonstrabismic patients. Results of cited studies are summarized.

The Brückner Test: Evaluation of Clinical Usefulness

ABSTRACT A quick and simple clinical test for detection of strabismus was evaluated for three groups of subjects. The test reliably detected the strabismic eye in the first group of strabismic subjects when observers discriminated between brightness of the right and left fundus reflex. The test reliably detected strabismus in the second group of strabismic subjects when observers decided if brightness of the fundus reflexes were equal or unequal. However, the Brückner test yielded false positives when it indicated strabismus in the third group of nonstrabismic subjects. The Brückner test is recommended only as an adjunct to testing for use by professionals, but not as a single test for strabismus detection by lay screeners.

Photographic method for Brückner and Hirschberg testing.

An apparatus for strabismus detection was designed to allow photographing fundus and corneal reflexes for Brückner and Hirschberg testing, respectively. Photographs of adult subjects with simulated strabismic deviations were viewed by two groups of observers, optometry students and optometry faculty. In general there was no significant difference in testing results between the two groups. Subject error produced unreliable Brückner results. However, Hirschberg testing was effective approximately 80% of the time in detecting a deviating eye in strabismus of magnitudes of about 5 delta. Anisometropia in Brückner testing was also investigated. Magnitudes of 2.00 D or greater significantly affected results. Clinical application of the photographic Hirschberg test may have potential value as a screening method. The photographic Brückner test is not recommended for adults; its reliability in children requires investigation.

Concurrent validity and screening efficiency of The Dyslexia Screener.

The concurrent criterion-related validity and screening efficiency of a recently developed scale, The Dyslexia Screener (TDS), was investigated by examining its relation to the Reading Cluster of the Woodcock-Johnson Psychoeducational Assessment Battery (WJ) in a sample of 100 nonreferred children participating in a longitudinal study

Do Tinted Lenses Really Help Students with Reading Disabilities

Distills the body of research on the efficacy of tinted lenses into concise, usable information for teachers, students, and parents

Genetics of dyseidetic dyslexia.

The nine pedigrees presented here suggest an autosomal dominant mode of transmission for the dyseidetic type of dyslexia. Sex-influence probably accounts for the high male to female ratio. Other modes of transmission are highly unlikely for dyseidesia but possible for other types of dyslexia, with the multifactorial mode being most likely. Genetic counseling is particularly feasible in cases of dyseidetic dyslexia.

A study involving glass safety lenses.

ABSTRACT Ninety‐six dress hardened glass lenses were supplied by reputable, high quality optical laboratories in the Los Angeles area. These lenses were given the standard drop‐ball test conforming to the Z.80.1 specifications. Thirty of the lenses broke upon testing. The analysis of breakage trends includes the results of a computer determined matrix correlation resulting in a factor analysis.

Genetics for primary eye care practitioners

Human Chromosomes Molecular Genetics Modes of Transmission of Genetic Traits Chromosome Abnormalities Transmission Guidelines Common Genetic Ocular Problems Other Genetic Ocular Anomalies Ocular Pharmacogenetics Genetic Counseling The New Genetics: Blessing or Curse? APPENDIXES: Self-Assessment Test Sources for Information on Genetic Counseling Glossary

Genetics review : relation to ocular disease

This study is a review of modes of transmission of genetic traits, how they relate to ocular diseases, and abnormalities frequently seen by primary eye care practitioners. Traits showing autosomal dominant (AD), autosomal recessive (AR), X-linked (XR) recessive, chromosomal aberrations, and multifactorial (M) inheritance are listed. General guidelines for genetic counseling are given.