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Association between ADHD and vision problems. A systematic review and meta-analysis
ADHD and Vision Problems: A Meta-Analysis
December 7, 2024
author
Bellato A, Perna J, Ganapathy PS, Solmi M, Zampieri A, Cortese S, Faraone SV
journal
Mol Psychiatry
Date Published
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Study Summary
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What They Studied
The main research question was whether ADHD is associated with disorders of the eye or changes in visual function.
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What They Found
The study found that people with ADHD have a higher risk of certain vision problems like astigmatism and strabismus, but not eye structure changes.
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What This Means
These findings suggest ADHD may affect visual function, prompting further research to explore if there is a causal relationship between ADHD and vision problems, contrasting with similar abstracts that mostly focus on treatment options.
Study Overview
Background & Objectives
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly treated using medications such as methylphenidate, aimed at enhancing concentration by boosting norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. The condition can impact daily life significantly.
A recent study sought to determine if there's a connection between ADHD and vision disorders. It focused on understanding whether those with ADHD also experience eye disorders or changes in visual functionality.
A recent study sought to determine if there's a connection between ADHD and vision disorders. It focused on understanding whether those with ADHD also experience eye disorders or changes in visual functionality.
Abstract: background
To conduct the first systematic review and meta-analysis assessing whether attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associate...more
Study Summary
Methods
Researchers searched through numerous databases, including PubMed and Embase, to find relevant studies. They looked for studies that observed vision metrics in individuals diagnosed with ADHD, according to specific diagnostic criteria, compared to those without ADHD.
Each study’s quality was evaluated using a standardized tool, and data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis to provide more robust conclusions from the collected data. This ensured thorough coverage of the available literature up to November 2021.
Each study’s quality was evaluated using a standardized tool, and data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis to provide more robust conclusions from the collected data. This ensured thorough coverage of the available literature up to November 2021.
Abstract: methods
Based on a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42021256352), we searched PubMed, Web of Knowledge/Science, Ovid Medline, Embase and A...more
Study Results
Results
The analysis included 42 studies where notable results indicated that individuals with ADHD tend to have a higher risk of conditions like astigmatism and hyperopia. They also reported more subjective vision issues compared to non-ADHD individuals. These findings highlight a potential relationship between ADHD and various vision problems.
However, there was no evidence found to suggest a difference in retinal thickness or common refractive errors between those with and without ADHD. This indicates that while functional vision issues are more common, structural eye changes do not appear associated with ADHD.
However, there was no evidence found to suggest a difference in retinal thickness or common refractive errors between those with and without ADHD. This indicates that while functional vision issues are more common, structural eye changes do not appear associated with ADHD.
Abstract: results
We included 42 studies in the narrative synthesis and 35 studies in the meta-analyses (3,250,905 participants). We found meta-analytic ...more
Study Summary
Conclusions
The study concludes that ADHD is linked with certain functional vision issues, suggesting individuals with ADHD might experience more eye-related problems than others. However, no connection was found with structural changes in the eye.
Further research is needed to understand if ADHD causes these vision problems or if there's another explanation. This could guide improved management or intervention strategies for those affected by both ADHD and vision issues.
Further research is needed to understand if ADHD causes these vision problems or if there's another explanation. This could guide improved management or intervention strategies for those affected by both ADHD and vision issues.
Abstract: conclusions
ADHD is associated with some self-reported and objectively ascertained functional vision problems, but not with structural alterations of the eye. Further studies should clarify the causal relationship, if any, between ADHD and problems of vision.
Clinical Guidelines
Guidelines suggest that children with ADHD should have regular eye exams to identify vision issues early.
Vision therapy may be part of treatment for ADHD-related visual problems, improving life and function.
Some ocular findings, like astigmatism, are more common in ADHD, requiring further research into visual processing disorders.
Vision therapy may be part of treatment for ADHD-related visual problems, improving life and function.
Some ocular findings, like astigmatism, are more common in ADHD, requiring further research into visual processing disorders.
Literature Review
Fabian et al.
Core Insight:The comparison paper provides evidence that children with ADHD have similar refractive errors and binocular function compared to controls, contradicting the main paper's findings on ADHD and functional vision issues.
What It Adds:
Refractive Errors: Similar in ADHD and control groups.
Binocular Function: Comparable across both groups, except in near focus.
Shared Themes:Both studies examine vision in ADHD contexts but differ on the impact of binocular functions.
Literature Review
DeCarlo et al.
Core Insight:Both papers explore the link between ADHD and vision problems. The main paper investigates the association of ADHD with specific eye disorders and altered visual function, while the comparison paper examines the prevalence of ADHD in children with vision problems not fixable with glasses or contacts.
What It Adds:
Prevalence Insight: The comparison paper shows higher ADHD rates in children with uncorrectable vision issues.
Consistent Findings: The association between vision problems and ADHD persists even after adjusting for confounders.
Shared Themes:Both studies support a general association between ADHD and vision issues, suggesting the need for further investigation into the relationship.
Literature Review
[Kang] et al, [undefined]
Core Insight:The comparison paper broadens the perspective on ADHD, linking it to a wide array of health conditions, confirming links with eye disorders like those in the main paper.
What It Adds:
Extended Health Links: Includes varied conditions beyond vision issues, unlike the main paper.
Evidence Level Variation: Shows different certainty levels for ADHD-related conditions.
