Studies indicate that children with vision impairment are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Seems a little high, doesn’t it? This occurs because underlying vision problems often mimic ADHD symptoms, when in fact, a binocular vision disorder is to blame. Surprisingly, vision disorders share 15 of the 18 signs and symptoms used to diagnose ADHD. 

The overlapping symptoms of ADHD and binocular vision impairment often include:

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks requiring sustained mental effort
• Becomes easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
• Does not listen when spoken to directly
• Talks excessively
• Does not follow through on instructions or fails to complete tasks

How Can Vision Therapy Help with ADHD-like Symptoms?

Even if your children, patients, or students have 20/20 vision, they may still have vision-related problems that were not identified during their routine eye exams. Unlike traditional optometry, developmental optometry thoroughly evaluates how all 17 visual skills affect an individual’s daily life.  Developmental optometrists use vision therapy to treat binocular vision disorders.  The goal of vision therapy is to develop or strengthen the neural networks between the eyes and brain so that the visual system can work in harmony. Eye strain, difficulty focusing, and difficulty tracking are all conditions that cause kids and adults to display behaviors commonly associated with ADHD. It’s hard to focus when your eyes don’t cooperate! Luckily, vision therapy can help with this. 

Think that you or your child is suffering from binocular vision impairment? Give us a call today. We would love to set up a consultation!