August 13, 2024

Vision therapy reduces ADHD symptoms

Happy Monday! Many children with convergence insufficiency and other binocular vision disorders display symptoms identical to ADHD.  Since ADHD is a diagnosis of exclusion (meaning everything else needs to be ruled out), it?s important to…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

Happy Monday!

Many children with convergence insufficiency and other binocular vision disorders display symptoms identical to ADHD.  Since ADHD is a diagnosis of exclusion (meaning everything else needs to be ruled out), it?s important to look for anything that could be causing the troubles.  For example, does the child drink 5 cups of coffee before school, as it may be the caffeine, not true ADHD that is at the root of the problem.

The important part to remember is that if there are NO VISION problems, then vision therapy WILL NOT be effective.  This is where many studies and reviews have struggled, as they will try to treat anyone with symptoms, rather than identified vision conditions.  This is akin to giving chemotherapy to everyone displaying the symptoms of cancer, but without any confirmed diagnosis of cancer.  You?ll help some, but the percentage will be much smaller than if the treatment is only given to those with cancer.

Here is the abstract: Vision therapy ADHD scoring

Abstract. [Purpose] To determine whether the improvement of vergence movements by vision therapy can decrease the K-ARS scores of symptomatic ADHD children. [Methods] Eighty-one out of 1,123 children surveyed using the K-ARS, a parents?-reported questionnaire, led to 16 of these 81 children being showed scores of ò19, and measurement of binocular function diagnosed as having convergence insufficiency. The 16 children were divided equally into a control group and a vision therapy group. [Results] After vision therapy for 12 weeks, near point convergence (4.38ñ0.69 cm) significantly neared compared to the near point convergence before vision therapy (11.50ñ2.28 cm), and both the break point (32.38ñ2.53 ?) and recovery point (19.75ñ2.11 ?) of near positive fusional vergence significantly improved compared to their values before vision therapy (15.88ñ2.64 ?, 6.38ñ6.70 ?, respectively). Near exophoria after vision therapy (7.81ñ2.00 ? BI) significantly decreased compared to its value before vision therapy (12.00ñ1.16 ? BI). The K-ARS scores referring to symptomatic ADHD significantly decreased after vision therapy (17.13ñ2.84) compared to before vision therapy (23.25ñ1.49). [Conclusions] Convergence insufficiency symptoms are closely related to symptoms screened for ADHD, and vision therapy to improve vergence movements is an effective method of decreasing the K-ARS scores.

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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.