Vision Problems & ADHD

For any parent of a child with ADHD there is always the need to keep abreast of information that may be helpful in addressing how best to help your children. We are often asked about whether eye problems such as with visual acuity or eye movement problems might contribute to hyperactivity or ADHD type behaviors-and could in fact eye problems be a cause of ADHD?

Research on ADHD & Eye Problems
Researchers conducted a study and reported the results in the journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus (AAPOS). They discussed the possibility that there was an association between ADHD/ADD, uncorrected refractive-errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism-and visual acuity. They performed a case matched controlled study that included ADD/ADHD children diagnosed according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV-TR), along with an age-matched control group of non ADD/ADHD children and then examined both groups for uncorrected visual acuity for distance and near, cycloplegic refraction-an eye test to measure uncorrected refractive error with eye drops, ocular motility or eye movements and binocular function-how well the children used their eyes together. Their results showed that ADD/ADHD children had similar visual acuity at distance and near and refractive errors as normal subjects. Eye movement and the ability to use both eyes together as well as focusing ability were also found to be similar in both groups and thus might not contribute to ADD/ADHD. Thus, from this study there does not appear to be an association between ADHD/ADD and vision problems nor do children with ADHD/ADD seem to have a greater incidence of eye problems.

If you or someone you know has ADHD and is concerned about any effects of vision problems, refractive errors or decreased visual acuity please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser.





Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.