To Örebro University

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate visual function in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to correlate these data with the morphology of the optic nerve, and to find out if and how psychostimulant medication affects visual functions.

METHODS: The visual acuity (VA) and visual fields (VFs) of 18 children with ADHD (two girls and 16 boys), aged 6-17 years, were examined before and after treatment with psychostimulants. A control group, consisting of 24 children (nine girls and 15 boys), aged 7-18 years, were examined twice to evaluate the repeatability of the tests and the learning effect. Fundus photographs were analysed by digital planimetry.

RESULTS: Visual acuity increased significantly (p = 0.0039) in the ADHD group after treatment. The difference between the two VF examinations was significantly larger in the ADHD group compared with the control group (p = 0.036). Significantly more ADHD subjects had subnormal VF results without stimulants, compared with controls (p = 0.0043), but with stimulants the difference was no longer significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Children with ADHD showed better VA and VF results with than without psychostimulant medication.