Why Binocular Vision Dysfunction Is Often Mistaken for ADHD

Distress, hyperactivity, and being fidgety can be an easy ADHD diagnosis for many people. However, the symptoms can sometimes be caused by binocular vision dysfunction. Read on to learn why BVD is often mistaken for ADHD.

What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) occurs when the eyes have a vertical or horizontal misalignment, and as a result, they do not work or synchronize well, with each other. The eye muscles try to give you a single focus by overcompensating due to the lack of synchronicity. However, this leads to great strain that causes BVD symptoms.

Symptoms of BVD

• Disorientation or dizziness

• Anxiety in large spaces that have high ceilings

• Migraines or headaches

• Light-headedness

• Light sensitivity

• Nausea or motion sickness

• Blurred vision

• Skipping Lines When Reading

• Reading Comprehension Issues

• Words “swimming” around on the page when reading
  
   

The frequency of these symptoms can vary. Certain head movements, such as up and down or side to side can trigger the symptoms. Driving on a busy highway, being a passenger in a moving vehicle, being bent over, or standing up quickly can provoke the symptoms.

Most people with binocular vision dysfunction can drift on one side or lose their balance when walking. Specialized prismatic lenses can remedy such symptoms quickly.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects impulse control and attention. People with ADHD often seem hyperactive, impulsive, and restless. They may struggle to focus on a single task for a long time.

ADHD can affect females, males, adults, and children. Most of the characteristics of this condition can overlap with other disorders. BVD is often mistaken for ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD

An individual must present five or more of the following symptoms to diagnose that they have ADHD:

• Does not pay attention if spoken to directly

• Difficulty waiting for their turn

• Difficulty remaining attentive when they complete their task

• Interrupts mid-conversations often

• Easily distracted

• Excessive talking

• Regular forgetfulness

• Restlessness

• Exhausts other people with their excessive energy

• Difficulty organizing

• Frequent fidgeting with feet or hands

Why BVD Gets Mistaken for ADHD

If the eyes cannot work together in synchrony, the brain cannot manage to create a single clear image. As a result, the image becomes misaligned. The body of the individual with the BVD tries to correct the misaligned vision by overstraining and overusing the eye muscles.

Studies show that 50 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD have BVD. Binocular vision dysfunction can make one feel tired when doing a task that needs concentration and focus, such as reading. Words can blend, and concentrating can be difficult. Returning to your reading place can be a struggle.

Adults and children who experience such frustration experience bewilderment and anger. Sometimes, the symptoms of BVD are like those experienced by people with ADHD.

Vision difficulties can affect concentration and ability to complete tasks. Hence, seeking an optometrist who specializes in this should be one of the first things done. Your quality of life can improve once your eye doctor diagnoses the problem affecting you. Early diagnosis will help with early treatment.

For more on binocular vision dysfunction or believe you or your child is suffering from any of these symptoms, get relief now and take our Free 5 Minute Self Test to find out if you have BVD Here.