Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder, diagnosed in an estimated 5.4 million children in the U.S. Although usually first identified in childhood, this disorder can also affect adults. Symptoms of ADHD may include inappropriate attention, impulsivity, distractibility, and sometimes hyperactivity.Children and adults with ADHD may also have functional vision problems that exacerbate or even cause some of their symptoms. Convergence insufficiency or problems with eye tracking and teeming can negatively impact classroom behavior, learning, and reading ability. In addition to hindering school performance, these symptoms can also lead to low self-esteem.

To determine if a vision problem is causing ADHD symptoms, a Developmental Optometrist should complete a functional eye exam. Getting an accurate diagnosis of functional eye problems is the first step to developing a comprehensive vision therapy program.

The Optometry Center for Vision Therapy (OCVT) can perform functional eye evaluations and customize a treatment plan for you or your child with ADHD. Our vision therapy treats eye tracking and teeming problems, strabismus, eye focusing issues, and other conditions that are common for patients with ADHD.  Our plans are designed to develop visual skills that will increase visual attention and overall function, allowing you or your child to sustain visual attention for longer periods of time.

While vision therapy can’t cure ADHD, it can improve reading and writing ability, focus in the classroom, sports performance, and overall comfort and confidence. Request a consultation to learn more about the positive changes that vision therapy can make.

Convergence Insufficiency and ADHD

At OCVT, we frequently treat patients with both convergence insufficiency and ADHD. Convergence insufficiency occurs when the eyes fail to work in unison, which can make reading and writing especially challenging. Signs of convergence insufficiency may include:

  • Eye strain and squinting
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Frequent loss of place while reading
  • Difficulty with reading comprehension

Many of the signs of convergence insufficiency overlap with ADHD symptoms, and research suggests that convergence insufficiency is three times more likely to occur in individuals with ADHD than in the general population.

OCVT’s in-office vision therapy can help treat convergence insufficiency in people with ADHD. Treatment may include specialized lenses and exercises designed to improve the eyes’ ability to function in tandem. We tailor every treatment plan to the patient, and our team is experienced in motivating children to complete eye exercises.

Schedule a Consultation with OCVT Today

If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and has not had a functional eye exam, schedule a complimentary consultation with the Optometry Center for Vision Therapy now. We’ll use this consultation to gather important information from you and help you determine if our clinic is the right fit for your treatment. From there, we’ll schedule a comprehensive vision therapy evaluation.

Fill out our short appointment request form to get started. We look forward to meeting you in San Antonio or Austin.

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