Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often associated with difficulties in concentration, impulse control, and hyperactivity. However, many parents may not be aware that ADHD can also affect vision and visual processing.
At The Center for Vision Development, we take a holistic approach to addressing the challenges children with ADHD face. We focus particularly on vision-related problems that contribute to their academic struggles and daily frustrations.
How ADHD Affects Vision
Children with ADHD may experience a range of visual issues that go beyond what standard eye exams typically detect. These vision problems, often related to how the brain processes visual information, can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. This exacerbation leads to difficulties in reading, writing, and other visually demanding tasks.
Some common vision-related issues in children with ADHD include:
- Difficulty tracking text: Children may lose their place while reading, have trouble moving their eyes smoothly across the page, or frequently skip lines.
- Eye teaming issues: This occurs when the eyes do not work together as a team, making it difficult to focus on words or objects, especially at close range.
- Focusing problems: Maintaining focus on near tasks, such as reading or copying from the board, can be a struggle for children with ADHD, leading to fatigue and frustration.
- Visual processing difficulties: Some children may experience visual perception issues, such as reversing letters or struggling to understand what they see, even if their eyesight is otherwise healthy.
These challenges can cause children to appear disengaged, frustrated, or overwhelmed, particularly when it comes to schoolwork.
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, these visual issues can mask themselves as ADHD symptoms or make existing ADHD symptoms worse.
Vision Therapy: A Solution for Children with ADHD
Vision therapy is a customized treatment program designed to address specific vision problems that may be affecting your child’s ability to focus, learn, and thrive.
While vision therapy doesn’t treat ADHD itself, it can alleviate many of the visual symptoms that contribute to the difficulties children with ADHD face.
At The Center for Vision Development, we assess each child's unique needs and create a vision therapy program that helps retrain the brain and eyes to work together more effectively.
Through a series of eye exercises, visual activities, and therapies, children can improve their visual skills, such as tracking, focusing, and processing information more clearly.
Some of the benefits of vision therapy for children with ADHD include:
- Improved focus and concentration: By addressing the underlying visual issues, vision therapy can help children maintain focus on tasks like reading, writing, and homework.
- Better reading comprehension: Enhanced eye coordination and tracking allow for smoother reading, helping children follow along and better understand what they are reading.
- Reduced eye strain and discomfort: Vision therapy can alleviate the discomfort that comes from trying to compensate for vision problems, allowing children to feel more comfortable during visual tasks.
Does Your Child Need Vision Therapy?
If your child has ADHD and struggles with activities like reading, writing, or focusing in class, they may benefit from a comprehensive vision evaluation. Some signs to watch for include:
- Losing their place while reading or frequently skipping lines
- Complaints of headaches or eye strain after short periods of reading or homework
- Difficulty focusing on near tasks or needing frequent breaks
- Reversing letters or struggling with spacing while writing
- Squinting, rubbing their eyes, or blinking excessively during visual tasks
Take Action for Your Child's Vision and Success
If you suspect your child's ADHD symptoms may be related to visual difficulties, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at The Center for Vision Development.
Our team will work with you to determine whether vision therapy could help alleviate your child’s struggles and improve their academic performance and overall well-being.
Schedule an appointment to see how vision therapy can help improve your child’s focus, reduce frustration, and set them on the path to success in school and life.