ADHD, Eye & Vision Problems

Parents of school age children often approach us and wonder if some of the attention or behavior issues that their kids experience are related to a vision problem or are simply a manifestation of their ADHD or ADD. This is a question MANY parents of children diagnosed with ADHD and ADD ask!

ADHD, Vision & Refractive Error
A recent study reported in the journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus (AAPOS) discussed the notion that there was an association between ADHD/ADD, uncorrected refractive-errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism-and visual acuity. The investigators performed a case matched controlled study that included 56 ADD/ADHD children diagnosed according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV-TR), along with 66 age-matched control 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, and binocular function. 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, or “binocular function”, as well as focusing ability were also found to be similar in both groups and thus probably did not contribute to ADD/ADHD type behavior.

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 Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, Google+ or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates offices are located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.