Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that interfere with daily functioning or development. Living with ADHD is a day-to-day challenge. It's not just about being unable to concentrate; it's also about coping with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and the numerous secondary issues that accompany these primary symptoms.
 

Understanding the Link between ADHD and Vision

Visual deficits in individuals with ADHD are often subtle and may go unnoticed. These are not issues that can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses; they are problems with how the brain processes visual information. Studies have found that children with ADHD are more likely to have problems with visual perception, visual-motor integration, visual memory, convergence insufficiency, and tracking problems. 
 

The connection between ADHD and vision goes beyond the physical act of seeing. It's about how the brain interprets and makes sense of what the eyes see. This complex process involves several parts of the brain and requires a high degree of coordination and focus-areas where individuals with ADHD often struggle.
 

Vision is heavily involved in the cognitive process of attention. How do you know what a baby is paying attention to?  By seeing where they are looking!  In order to determine where to direct one’s visual attention, a person’s brain has to survey the scene, filter out the irrelevant information, and tell the eyes to look at what’s important. 
 

Common Visual Problems in ADHD

Among the most common issues related to ADHD and vision are visual processing problems, convergence insufficiency, and difficulties with eye tracking. Visual processing problems refer to the brain's inability to make sense of what the eyes see. This could include difficulties recognizing shapes, recalling visual information, picking out important details from the background, or an inability to filter out visual information, which can lead to sensory overload. 
 

Eye tracking refers to the ability to move the eyes smoothly and accurately across a visual field. This skill is essential for many everyday tasks, such as reading a line of text or following a moving object. However, individuals with ADHD often exhibit difficulties with eye tracking. This can further exacerbate their problems with attention and focus, making tasks like reading or concentrating on a lecture even more challenging.
 

Convergence insufficiency is a problem with how the eyes coordinate up close.  Convergence insufficiency can cause blurry vision up close, words doubling or moving around on the page while reading, and headaches or eyestrain.  If a child has a convergence problem, they may avoid near work, and prefer to move around the classroom or talk to peers- behaviors which can be mistaken for hyperactivity.   A 2005 study found a strong association between convergence insufficiency and symptoms of ADHD.
 

These issues are not just minor inconveniences; they can significantly impact an individual's daily life. Imagine struggling to read because your eyes see double or can’t smoothly track across the page. Imagine the frustration of trying to concentrate on a task, but your brain can't correctly interpret what your eyes are seeing. There is a heavy overlap between functional vision problems and ADHD. Fortunately, these vision problems can be treated, and may allow a child to pay better attention. 
 

What is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to improve visual skills and rectify problems with visual processing, eye coordination, and eye tracking. It's like physical therapy for the eyes and brain. The aim of vision therapy is to train the eyes and brain to work together more effectively, improving overall visual function.
 

Vision therapy is a customized and individualized treatment program designed to correct specific vision problems. Therapy sessions might include exercises designed to improve eye tracking, eye teaming, focusing, visual perception, and visual-motor integration. These exercises are often performed under the guidance of a trained optometrist and can be supplemented with at-home activities to reinforce the skills learned.
 

It's important to note that vision therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The type and length of therapy will depend on the individual's specific vision problems and their severity. However, with consistent practice and commitment, vision therapy can lead to significant improvements in visual skills, which can improve attention, and reduce symptoms of ADHD.
 

The Role of Vision Therapy in ADHD Management

Vision therapy plays a significant role in ADHD management by addressing the visual processing and eye tracking problems that often accompany this disorder. By improving these visual skills, vision therapy can help reduce some of the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, such as difficulties with attention, focus, and academic performance.
 

For example, vision therapy can help individuals with ADHD improve their eye tracking  and eye teaming skills, making tasks like reading easier and less frustrating. Better eye tracking can lead to increased reading speed and comprehension, contributing to improved academic performance.
 

Similarly, by improving visual perception and visual-motor integration, vision therapy can help individuals with ADHD better interpret and respond to visual stimuli. This can enhance their ability to focus and pay attention, reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity often associated with ADHD.
 

Navigating ADHD Effectively with Vision Therapy 

ADHD is a complex disorder with diverse manifestations, and it requires a multifaceted approach to management. Vision therapy, with its focus on improving visual processing and eye tracking skills, offers a valuable tool for managing ADHD.
 

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with ADHD, consider the benefits of vision therapy and schedule a consultation with our professionals today. We specialize in vision therapy, neuro-optometry, pediatrics, and preventative eyecare. Visit Vision Rehabilitation Associates at our office in Glenview, Illinois, or call (847) 716-2340 to book an appointment.