A.D.D. or Visual Disorder?

Visual problems can mimic A.D.D.

An increasing -- and alarming -- number of children are diagnosed each year with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.), and prescribed powerful prescription medications to treat their condition.

If your child has been diagnosed with A.D.D., you may find it helpful to get a second opinion from an experienced developmental optometrist.

A.D.D. shares many signs and symptoms in common with vision deficits, including:

• Attention span becomes shorter during close-up work
• Poor concentration when reading
• Restless when facing work that requires comprehension
• Disturbs other children in class during reading or other subjects that require intense near focus and concentration
• Can concentrate for longer times when playing computer games or other compelling near vision work
• Seems compelled to touch everything
• Bumps into things, doesn't seem aware of nearby objects
• Often trips or falls instead of stepping over objects, steps, carpet edges or rugs
• Hates to read, but likes being read to
• Continues having problems doing near-work despite an increase in the ability to concentrate after taking medication A.D.D.

Many doctors, educators and parents express growing concern at the increasing number of young people being put on powerful prescription medication for Attention Deficit Disorder, a condition often identified only by vague symptoms.

A disproportionate number of young people are labeled and treated for A.D.D. in the U.S. compared to most other countries. This fact alarms many authorities, including law enforcement officials who now report high levels of abuse of A.D.D. and A.D.H.D.-related, prescribed drugs.

Tod R. Davis, OD, a developmental optometrist in Gainesville, Virginia, specializes in treating children with visual disorders that are often confused with and misdiagnosed as A.D.D.

Dr. Davis has extensive experience in assessing, testing for, and distinguishing visual conditions that mimic or complicate A.D.D.

He can also offer insight into underlying problems that affect and exacerbate learning and behavior issues.