ADD/ADHD
Although vision therapy does not treat ADD or ADHD, it can address learning-related visual dysfunctions that often produce symptoms similar to—or can worsen—the challenges associated with these conditions. Difficulties such as poor concentration during reading, losing one's place, avoiding near work, slow reading, reduced comprehension, and an inability to sustain attention on schoolwork may stem from an underlying visual problem rather than attention alone.
When the eyes struggle to work together efficiently, tasks like reading, writing, and using a computer require significantly more effort. This increased visual demand can lead to eyestrain, headaches, blurred or double vision, fatigue, and frustration. As a result, many children begin to avoid homework, reading, or other close-up activities because these tasks are uncomfortable or exhausting.
Vision therapy is designed to improve how the eyes and brain work together by strengthening skills such as eye teaming, tracking, focusing, and visual processing. When these visual skills become more efficient, many patients experience greater comfort during near work, improved reading endurance, and increased confidence in the classroom. While vision therapy is not a treatment for ADD or ADHD, identifying and treating an underlying vision problem can remove a significant barrier to learning and help children perform closer to their true potential.
Additional signs of a vision problem mimicking ADD/ADHD:
Loses concentration on difficult near-vision work like reading but can focus on something more fun like a video game or sports
Restless, irritable, and short attention span with reading
Disturbs others in class, especially during reading or writing activities
Compelled to touch everything
Bumps into things, trips, falls, unaware of surroundings
Hates to read, but likes to be read to by teacher/parents
Learning problems continue, even after starting medication
Symptoms caused by a vision problem:
These vision problems can cause a child to sometimes see double and blurry, experience headaches, eyestrain and fatigue with reading and schoolwork. When focusing both eyes together up close is uncomfortable and even sometimes hurts, children understandably will avoid reading until these vision problems are treated.
Use the Symptom Assessment below to see if your child would benefit from an evaluation.
Did You Know?
Children with ADD/ADHD are 3 times more likely to suffer from vision problems.
Watch To Learn More
Vision Therapy can help develop visual skills essential for reading, and up-close work, oftentimes eliminating the need for attention correcting medication in children or adults with ADD/ADHD. Dr. Neil breaks down the idea that some symptoms of ADD/ADHD could actually be undiagnosed Learning Related Vision Problems.
