Parents should prioritize their children’s eye and vision health. It will help the children develop without problems, supported by ideal management to help them have a good quality of life. Children with attention deficit disorder (ADHD) can also experience vision problems. This neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention can persist into adulthood.
A child with ADH may struggle to concentrate, complete tasks, or follow instructions. They often get easily distracted and find it difficult to wait for their turn. Research shows a strong connection between this disorder and vision.
Vision is the brain’s ability to interpret visual information from the eyes. The process is complex. It entails the coordination of the eyes, brain, and body. It helps in learning, perceiving, and understanding the world around you.
Visual acuity is the capacity to see clearly at a distance. Children with attention deficit disorder have problems with visual acuity. It can affect their ability to learn and read. Studies show that children with ADHD have a higher prevalence of visual problems than children who do not have the disorder. The issues include accommodation, binocular vision, and visual acuity.
Binocular vision is the ability to use both eyes as a team. It is crucial for depth perception, which helps with tasks like sports, writing, and reading. Children with ADHD have problems with their binocular vision. It can affect their focusing ability or capability to follow objects in motion.
Visual tracking is the capacity to follow a moving object with the eyes. It is crucial for tasks such as sports, reading, and writing. ADHD in children affects their visual tracking. As a result, they find it hard to follow a ball during sports or the movement of words on a page while reading.
Accommodation is the ability of an individual’s eyes to change focus from near to far and vice versa. ADHD affects accommodation in children. It affects their ability to read and concentrate. Studies show that children with attention deficit disorder have a higher prevalence of accommodation problems than children who do not have ADHD.
Research shows that ADHD has a strong connection with vision and vice versa. Children with attention deficit disorder are more likely to have problems with visual tracking, accommodation, binocular vision, and visual acuity.
As a result, these visual problems affect their ability to concentrate and learn. It can impact their school performance, social interactions, and general quality of life. These problems lead to eyestrain, fatigue, and headaches, further worsening their focusing ability.
Children with ADHD can receive treatment based on the specific problem they have. It can include wearing glasses, vision therapy, or both.
Vision therapy involves exercises that improve visual skills like binocular vision, accommodation, and visual tracking. It is a noninvasive treatment method whose goal is to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve visual skills.
For more about vision and ADHD in children, visit VEO Vision Therapy at our office in Wichita, Kansas. Call (316) 999-4100 to book an appointment today.