At the Center for Vision & Learning, many children and adults who come to our practice are suspect for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), with or without hyperactivity. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorders in children, up to about 11% as of 2011. The DSM-V divides ADHD into three presentations characterized (1) predominantly by inattention, (2) predominantly by hyperactivity-impulsivity, and (3) a combination of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
If you have a child that enjoys to be read to while sitting and listening for long periods of time, but struggles to achieve the same attention and concentration during homework and reading, then there is a high probability that a vision problem is causing the child’s attention problem!
Ophthalmologists from the Ratner’s Children’s Eye Center found that patients with CI [Convergence Insufficiency – an eye teaming problem] were AT LEAST THREE times more likely to have ADHD than the general population. Furthermore, the researchers stated that “it is unavoidable the presence of CI may cause (1) misdiagnosis, (2) diagnostic confusion, or (3) exacerbation of the symptoms of ADHD.”
A true “biochemical imbalance” does not discriminate whether the information is taken in through the ears or the eyes, but a vision problem does! Problems with any of the 17 visual skills needed to read and learn can masquerade as ADHD. People with vision dysfunctions often display poor attention, fleeting concentration, frustration, and behavioral problems during near visual tasks, like reading and homework. As a result, a child or adult with a vision problem is often misdiagnosed as ADHD.
83% (15 out of 18) symptoms are common to both vision problems and ADD/ADHD.
At the Center for Vision & Learning, we treat the underlying vision problem without medications! Supported by the principles of neuroplasticity, we ensure lasting results for our patients who suffer from vision problems causing poor attention and concentration symptoms. Optometric treatment leads to a better quality of life through success in school, work, sports, and social interactions.
The Center for Vision & Learning is a vision care practice specializing in developmental optometry and optometric vision therapy. We proudly serve Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and all of Southwest Florida – and beyond. If you would like to schedule a Developmental Vision Evaluation for you or someone you know, please call 239-682-0945 or click on the Request an Appointment tab above.