If you work with students who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you’ve likely seen firsthand how inattention, distractibility, and impulsivity affect their daily lives.
And while the neurological underpinnings of ADHD have been well-documented for quite some time, what you may not realize is that vision plays a big role in managing ADHD symptoms.
Specialized ADHD glasses for adults and children, also called prism glasses, as well as blue-light blocking eyewear, have become go-to tools for improving focus and comfort for students with ADHD.
But why are they necessary in the first place? To understand, we need to explore how poor visual inputs can impact executive functions and overall quality of life.
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The Link Between Vision and ADHD
Vision is more than just the act of seeing clearly, but also has to do with how the brain processes what the eyes take in. That process plays a significant role in attention and focus.
For students with ADHD, the constant barrage of visual stimuli coming through their peripheral vision or other visual inputs can make concentrating even harder. Misaligned vision or subtle impairments can intensify experiences of hyperactivity and frustration.
This visual discomfort can include eye strain, but that’s not its only limitation. It can also be a direct contributor to poor attention and distractibility. As a result, students with visual impairments have a higher prevalence of ADHD; 15.6% of students with vision problems have ADHD, compared to 8.3% of those without vision problems.
As a teacher, there’s not much you can do to identify or diagnose these vision problems, but being aware of their increased frequency in kids with ADHD is important. When you’re aware of the following vision issues as they correlate to ADHD, you’re better prepared to design interventions that address those needs.
If you notice vision issues in your students, schedule a conversation with their parents, as a healthcare provider or optometrist specializing in neuro-optometry should be able to identify these specific conditions that intersect with ADHD:
Poor Focus and Astigmatism
Astigmatism might seem like something only an optometry expert would bring up, but it frequently correlates with behaviors common in ADHD. Again, this is something anyone can have, but it’s more common in kids with ADHD.
Astigmatism causes blurred or distorted vision, which can lead to underperformance in reading, writing, and tasks requiring concentration. When students can’t see clearly, they often give up on focusing altogether, appearing restless or impulsive as a result.
Eyeglasses with the correct prescription can reduce distortion, but specialized glasses for individuals with ADHD offer additional benefits. They’re often designed with enhancements like blue light-blocking coatings that reduce visual discomfort caused by digital stimuli.
Many kids with ADHD struggle with excessive screen use, and filtering out certain wavelengths of light can improve their focus dramatically.
Convergence Insufficiency
Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a condition where the eyes don’t work together properly when focusing on close objects. It tends to be more common in students with symptoms of ADHD, yet often goes unnoticed because most children won’t realize the symptoms they’re experiencing aren’t normal.
The result? Struggles with reading, frequent headaches, or double vision, all of which can increase challenges related to attention and executive functions.
Prism glasses (more on these below), which are a form of ADHD eyewear, can align and train the eyes to work better together. They make close-range tasks like reading and writing less draining, which can lead to improved performance and reduced symptoms of frustration.
Poor Color Perception
Colors aren’t just visually pleasing—they also impact learning, memory, and mood. Some students with ADHD may have impairments in distinguishing certain shades, which can further complicate tasks like reading color-coded charts or worksheets.
Again, ADHD glasses can be helpful here, as certain types can address poor color perception or visual discomfort caused by harsh hues. This can simplify visual tasks and remove obstacles in how students perceive information around them.
Binocular Vision Dysfunction
Perhaps one of the most complex links between vision and ADHD lies in binocular vision dysfunction (BVD). With BVD, a student’s eyes may struggle to align correctly, making it difficult to process depth or maintain focus. This can lead to frequent eye strain, skipping lines while reading, or even clumsiness in physical activities.
Are There Specific Glasses Designed for Individuals With ADHD?
There are several types of glasses you may hear referred to as “ADHD glasses,” but they’re not all the same. Generally, when you hear the term “ADHD glasses,” it’s in reference to prism glasses, which we’ll discuss in most detail. However, you might also hear blue light glasses referred to as ADHD glasses as well.
Blue light glasses filter screen-emitted blue light, reducing eye strain and improving sleep. While this can certainly be helpful for someone with ADHD, particularly someone who tends to spend a lot of time on a screen, blue light glasses aren’t specifically or exclusively designed for people with ADHD.
How Do ADHD Glasses Work?
Prism glasses, sometimes called ADHD glasses, subtly change how the brain processes visual information. They don’t cure ADHD—it’s important to clarify that—but they do alleviate certain symptoms.
Basically, prism glasses work by altering the way light enters the eyes, improving binocular vision (how both eyes work together).
If you’re interested in exploring prism glasses as an option, check out these well-reviewed prism glasses on Amazon.
When wearing prism glasses, the brain adjusts to the realigned visual input, which can lead to reduced misalignments and strain. Some people with ADHD report improvements in their ability to focus and an overall sense of calm when using these glasses. This is because less visual confusion translates to smoother cognitive processing.
While prism glasses (or any other “ADHD glasses for kids,” as they’re marketed) might not completely eliminate a student’s difficulties in the classroom (and can also cause eye strain if worn for too long), they can make a big difference if vision issues are to blame.
They can help students focus better on reading assignments, reduce their frustration during math problems, or even make it easier for them to sit through basic classroom activities more comfortably. If you’ve noticed students who seem extra fidgety or have difficulty following along visually, this option may provide meaningful support.
Other Treatment Options For Addressing Vision Issues With ADHD
Beyond prism glasses, there is ongoing research into how vision therapy and peripheral visual stimulation may assist people with ADHD as well.
One recent approach involves using targeted visual exercises (via neuro-glasses for ADHD) to stimulate areas of the brain linked to processing peripheral visual input. These exercises focus on reducing overstimulation while improving eye coordination, which may help with common ADHD symptoms like distractibility and impulsivity.
Vision therapy for ADHD introduces repetitive, structured practices aimed at improving the visual connection between the eyes and brain. Think of it as training your visual system to work more efficiently. While this doesn’t replace other ADHD treatments like therapy or medication, it can complement them as part of a broader intervention plan.
Teachers can advocate for these kinds of solutions by working closely with parents and specialists. If you’re working with a student who has ADHD, knowing about these options can better inform your discussions during IEP meetings or even parent-teacher conferences.
Seeing the Solutions Clearly
Does everyone with ADHD need special glasses? Definitely not. ADHD is a complex condition, and while prism glasses can be helpful for some individuals, they’re not universally necessary. They treat the symptom, not necessarily the condition.
Still, they serve as an exciting tool in the growing landscape of ADHD accommodations and supports.
If you’re a teacher, keeping an open mind to a variety of tools—whether it’s ADHD glasses, visual therapy, or even just classic coping mechanisms and behavioral strategies—is key. Not every solution will work for every student, but every possible option helps bring more clarity to building personalized support systems.
And remember, tools like prism glasses don’t operate in isolation. They’re often most effective when paired with additional ADHD coping techniques like clear routines, focused attention strategies, and breaks for movement during the school day.
But when all these tools and strategies are taken together, you can help your students not only manage their symptoms, but thrive, in their learning environment.
Bottom Line: Are ADHD Glasses Worth It?
- ADHD glasses (especially prism glasses) help some people pay attention, reduce eye strain, and feel calmer.
- They don’t magically solve ADHD challenges, but they can make daily tasks easier if vision issues affect your focus.
- For best results, use them alongside routines, breaks for movement, and other visual strategies.
- They’re not for everyone, but if your eyes often feel tired or unfocused, they may be worth giving a try.
FAQ
Do ADHD glasses really work?
For some individuals, yes. ADHD glasses, particularly prism glasses, work by addressing visual processing issues, which in turn can help with attention and focus. However, their effectiveness varies depending on the person.
What is the best ADHD coping mechanisms?
The best strategies include a combination of structured routines, movement breaks, visual aids, and, where necessary, tools like ADHD glasses or visual therapy.
What are prism glasses for ADHD?
Prism glasses are a type of glasses that adjust the way light enters the eyes. They help realign the way the eyes work together, improving visual processing and reducing strain.
Why do people with ADHD need glasses?
Not everyone with ADHD needs glasses, but for those who have visual processing challenges, tools like prism glasses or vision therapy can help alleviate some difficulties associated with focus and attention.
Further Reading
- DeCarlo et al: ADHD and Vision Problems in the National Survey of Children’s Health
- Reimelt et al: The Underestimated Role of Refractive Error (Hyperopia, Myopia, and Astigmatism) and Strabismus in Children With ADHD
- Banaschewski et al: Colour perception in ADHD
- Cleveland Clinic: Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD): Symptoms & Treatments
- Pierce, Rebekah: ADHD And Screen Time Management: 11 Techniques For Success
- Pierce, Rebekah: The Connection Between ADHD And Fidgeting
- Richter et al: A novel intervention for treating adults with ADHD using peripheral visual stimulation
- Pierce, Rebekah: 12 Tips To Take Control Of Overwhelm When You Have ADHD | Life Skills Advocate