Children’s Eye Problems & ADHD
Sometimes when children do not see well they can seem to have certain behavioral problems that may even appear to mimic the behaviors of kids with ADHD/ADD. Researchers reporting in the journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus (AAPOS) studied the possibility that there was an association between ADHD/ADD, uncorrected refractive-errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism-and visual acuity. They performed a carefully matched and controlled study that included a group of children with a known diagnosis of ADHD/ADD according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV-TR), along with another control group who were age-matched. The researchers examined both groups for uncorrected visual acuity for distance and near, cycloplegic refraction-an eye test to measure uncorrected refractive error with eye drops, ocular motility or eye movement and binocular function. Their results showed that ADD/ADHD children had similar visual acuity at distance and near and refractive errors as normal subjects. Eye movement and the ability to use both eyes together as well as focusing ability were also found to be similar in both groups and thus might not contribute to ADD/ADHD. They concluded that there was really no relationship between children’s eye problems and ADHD/ADD.
If you or someone you know has ADHD and is concerned about any effects of vision problems, refractive errors or decreased visual acuity please schedule an eye exam at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.
Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205.
Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205
