ADHD and Vision: Could Your Child’s Eyesight be the Problem?

Is your child showing the telltale signs of ADHD? Fidgeting, inability to focus, and hyperactivity are all the most obvious signs of ADHD and are usually the indicators that a diagnosis may be in order. However, you may be surprised to learn that many of the same ADHD symptoms are also the same for children who are suffering from vision issues. Understanding the difference can ensure that your child receives a proper diagnosis and in turn, gets the help that they need.
 

How Symptoms are Similar

Children who suffer from vision problems often showcase similar symptoms of ADHD. For example, if a child’s eyes aren’t working together properly, then they may have issues reading or comprehending the material that they read. In turn, this can create frustration and behavioral problems because the child stops enjoying reading. This is when we see fidgeting and difficulty focusing.

 It’s easy to see that this could look very similar to ADHD. However, it’s essential for professionals, parents, teachers, and school nurses not to rule out vision problems first. An incorrect ADHD diagnosis could lead to unnecessary medication, and the condition won’t improve without repairing the child’s eyesight.
 

Your Child No Longer Enjoys Reading

Children who struggle with eyesight problems often develop a negative feeling towards reading. This is understandable since words may run together or appear blurry. This can be incredibly frustrating to children, especially those that are too young to express what they are experiencing adequately.

If your child complains of the inability to see words, objects, or colors, then this may indicate that they are suffering from eyesight problems that should be addressed. Additionally, children who have vision concerns may also complain of headaches and have difficulty focusing on tasks that require good vision.
 

How Parents Can Help

If your child is experiencing changes in behavior, fidgeting, or has lost interest in reading, then you should take a moment to explore the issue. Keep a record of any changes and let your doctor know right away so they can determine if your child has ADHD or if the problems are associated with vision issues.
 

Better Eye Screens

The reason that vision problems go undetected for so long is that the basic eye screens given at schools aren’t comprehensive enough to detect all issues. This is why it is incredibly crucial for parents to not rely solely on school screenings. Instead, you should schedule a yearly comprehensive eye exam so that the child’s vision is thoroughly tested.
 

Is it ADHD or a Vision Problem?

In some cases, children who exhibit certain behaviors actually do have ADHD. It’s important for your doctor to fully evaluate your child’s well-begin to ensure that they receive a proper diagnosis. However, it’s important to go the extra step also to have your child see their eye doctor ensure that their issues aren’t related to vision concerns. This comprehensive approach will ensure that your child has received a proper diagnosis and is receiving the care that they need to perform better at home and at school.
 

Overview

ADHD and vision problems are both serious issues that should be dealt with right away. Do you suspect that your child may have vision problems? We want to help. Let’s work together to make sure that your child has good vision. Please contact our office to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. We look forward to working with you.