Individuals with the diagnosis of ADHD have a higher chance of having a functional vision problem. An individual with ADHD may have 20/20 vision but good eyesight does not equal good vision.
Common Learning Related Visual Problems that result from reduced visual function
- Reduced attention span
- Avoidance of activities with sustained mental effort ex)school work or homework
- Difficulty following instructions
- Poor time management
- Easily distracted
The symptoms used to diagnose ADHD are the same symptoms used to diagnose a functional vision problem. There are 18 symptoms that fall into the ADHD category. Out of 18 symptoms 15 of those symptoms are used to diagnose a functional vision problem. This can lead to some individuals being misdiagnosed if a vision problem has not been ruled out prior to the ADHD diagnosis.
The best way to determine if there is a functional vision problem is to have a comprehensive functional vision assessment with a Developmental Optometrist. It is important for individuals with ADHD to have a functional vision assessment to determine what visual efficiency skills are reduced and contributing to an individual’s lack of ability to sustain attention during reading and other near work activities.
Individuals with ADHD may have under-developed visual efficiency skills due to poor ability to sustain visual attention, which can lead to vision problems and impact learning. Research has shown that treating a functional vision issue in individuals with ADHD reduces ADHD symptoms and improves performance.
Imagine trying to sustain attention with vision that is double, consistently losing your place while reading from inaccurate eye movements, reduced focusing ability causing intermittent blurry vision and poor visual processing leading to you reading the same page over and over. All those symptoms will greatly intensify ADHD symptoms.