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ADHD prevalence greatest in children with uncorrected vision problems
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Researchers found that children in a large national sample who had vision problems were more likely to have a current diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder than those without vision problems.
The study encompassed 75,171 children without intellectual impairment who were 4 to 17 years old and part of the 2011 to 2012 National Survey of Children’s Health, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
DeCarlo and colleagues obtained information on demographics, vision, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) status and other chronic conditions of childhood by parent interview.
Among children in the cohort, 8.4% were estimated to have a current diagnosis of ADHD. Of those, 2.7% of children reportedly had vision problems, Children with vision problems were more likely to have a current diagnosis of ADHD than those without vision problems, according to the researchers.
The percentage of males with vision problems was greater than females (58.8% vs. 50.9%). Those with vision problems were more likely to be born 3 or more weeks prematurely. Also, those with vision problems were more likely to have family income less than 200% above the poverty line than children without vision problems.
Children with mild or moderate vision problems had increased odds of having current ADHD, according to the study.
The researchers wrote that it is likely that some children with vision problems are incorrectly diagnosed as having ADHD.
“Children with vision problems should be monitored for signs and symptoms of ADHD so that this dual impairment of vision and attention can best be addressed,” the researchers wrote. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.
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