Word blindness, also known as dyslexia, is a learning disorder that affects an individual's ability to read and comprehend written language. There are several synonyms used to describe this condition such as developmental reading disorder, specific learning disability in reading, reading disability, and reading disorder. Other terms that are sometimes used to describe word blindness include visual dyslexia, surface dyslexia, and phonological dyslexia. These terms all refer to different aspects of the reading and language processing problems associated with dyslexia. Although dyslexia can be challenging for individuals who experience it, with early intervention and effective treatment, many people with dyslexia are able to overcome their difficulties and lead successful lives.