NBC Washington: Could Vision Problems Be the Root Cause of ADHD-like Symptoms in Students?
No ADD/ADHD Diagnosis is complete without first ruling out functional Vision Problems with similiar symptoms.
NBC Washington: If your child is distracted easily or lose their place when they’re reading, you might be quick to get an ADHD diagnosis. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a neuro-optometrist, says that it might be vision issues instead. News4’s Joseph Olmo talks to Appelbaum about how ADHD-like symptoms are similar to problems with vision.
As a parent, it’s crucial to consider vision problems before assuming ADHD in a struggling child. In this interview with News4’s Joseph Olmo, Dr. Applebaum highlights how similar symptoms can mislead diagnosis. Vision therapy, not just medication, can be transformative. Sasha’s story exemplifies the impact of addressing vision issues and prompts parents to consider getting a comprehensive functional vision evaluation before accepting an ADD or ADHD diagnosis for your kids.
Could Vision Problems Be the Root Cause of ADHD-like Symptoms in Students?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common diagnosis among students who struggle with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that some of these children might not have ADHD or ADD at all. Instead, their symptoms could be attributed to undiagnosed vision issues. At MyVisionFirst as Neuro-Optometrists who specialize in how the eyes and brain work together, we are committed to raising awareness about this important connection. We want parents to have all of the information they need to make informed decisions about their children’s health and wellbeing.
The Overlap Between ADHD and Vision Issues
The symptoms of ADHD and vision problems can be strikingly similar. Both conditions can cause difficulty in focusing, maintaining attention, and processing information. For instance, a child struggling to read may lose concentration, not because of a lack of focus, but because their eyes aren’t working together properly, making the text appear blurred or doubled. Common symptoms of both ADHD/ADD and Vision Issues include;
- Difficulty staying focused on near work
- Learning delays with reading and writing
- Losing their place while reading or needing to use a finger to keep place
- Challenges and behavioral "meltdowns" with homework
- Likes being read to but avoids reading
- Difficulties with 'busy' or 'crowded' environments
Why Vision Problems Are Often Overlooked
In busy classrooms, teachers and parents might quickly attribute inattentiveness to ADHD without considering other possibilities. Routine vision screenings in schools typically check only for clarity of sight (20/20 vision) but do not assess how well the eyes work together. As a result, issues like convergence insufficiency, where the eyes do not coordinate properly, can go undetected.
1 in 10 Children have a vision problem significant enough to impact learning.
Unfortunately, functional vision problems are not widely known about nor are they routinely looked for, especially for young people. With the rise in ADHD diagnoses in recent years it’s even more important that our parents and educators know how to distinguish the characteristics of treatable vision problems before going straight to ADD/ADHD diagnosis.
How Can You Identify and Treat Vision Problems?
Neuro-optometrists play a crucial role in identifying vision-related issues that mimic ADHD symptoms. At MyVisionFirst we perform comprehensive eye exams that go beyond standard vision tests, assessing how the eyes track, focus, and work together. If a vision problem is identified, we will work with you to create a personalized program of Vision Therapy to help address and solve vision problems and the related symptoms.
Unlike most ADHD treatment, Vision Therapy is completely natural and involves retraining your eyes and brain to work together as a team so that you can use your vision without experiencing all the symptoms that make you disengage.
With the Proper Diagnosis and Treatment Our Children Can Thrive
Given the potential overlap between ADHD and vision problems, it’s essential for parents and educators to consider comprehensive eye exams as part of the evaluation process for children showing signs of attention difficulties. Early detection and treatment of vision issues can prevent misdiagnosis and ensure that children receive the appropriate care.
While ADHD/ADD along with many other learning difficulties is a legitimate and serious condition, it’s important not to overlook other possible causes of attention difficulties in students.
Vision problems can manifest in ways that are easily mistaken for ADHD, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, students can overcome these challenges and thrive in their academic and personal lives.
Recent Media
Patient Success Stories
