Vision Therapy & ADD/ADHD

Children with attention issues, may have weak eye muscles – causing the attention and concentration problems.

Many eye doctors in the USA, are now recommending children thought to have ADD/ADHD be assessed for vision problems first.

If a vision problem exists, then vision therapy should be the first step in treatment, prior to medication.

Dr David Granet, Ratner Children’s Eye Centre, UCLA San Diego has undertaken extensive research on ADHD and Convergence Insufficiency (CI).

Here is a summary of his results:

“Patients diagnosed with ADHD should be evaluated for Convergence Insufficiency (CI) and treated accordingly”

“Some of the symptoms of ADHD overlap those of CI, so CI could be misdiagnosed as ADHD”

“We observed in our clinic that an unusual number of children with suspected ADHD actually had CI”

“ No matter what the true cause and effect relationship is between CI and ADHD, it is unavoidable that the precesnce of CI may cause misdiagnosis, diagnostic confusion or the exacerbation of symptoms of ADHD”

In conculsion, Dr Granet states:

In view of these findings, we believe it reasonable that CI be evaluated in patients suspected to have ADHD”

The 20/20 sight test does not test for CI – so your child might be told they have ‘perfect eyes’ when they might still have CI.

If your child has CI, their reading and school performances could be affected. CI is not a ‘seeing problem’, so often glasses alone won’t solve the problem.

If your child has CI they may react in one or more ways, including:

avoiding reading and other near visual work as much as possible,

   •   Attempting to do the work but with decreased understanding,

   •   Being an "underachiever,"

   •   Having a short attention span,

   •   Getting fatigued easily.

   •   Avoiding reading as much as possible

Is your child suspected of having ADHD?

Check the SIGNS of CI.

If you notice ANY sign above, a comprehensive vision therapy examination is recommended.