Aim
To conduct the first systematic review and meta-analysis assessing whether attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with disorders of the eye, and/or altered measures of visual function.
Method
Based on a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42021256352), we searched PubMed, Web of Knowledge/Science, Ovid Medline, Embase and APA PsycINFO up to 16th November 2021, with no language/type of document restrictions. We included observational studies reporting at least one measure of vision in people of any age meeting DSM/ICD criteria for ADHD and in people without ADHD; or the prevalence of ADHD in people with and without vision disorders. Study quality was assessed with the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS). Random effects meta-analyses were used for data synthesis.
Results
We included 42 studies in the narrative synthesis and 35 studies in the meta-analyses (3,250,905 participants). We found meta-analytic evidence of increased risk of astigmatism (OR = 1.79 [CI: 1.50, 2.14]), hyperopia and hypermetropia (OR = 1.79 [CI: 1.66, 1.94]), strabismus (OR = 1.93 [CI: 1.75, 2.12]), unspecified vision problems (OR = 1.94 [CI: 1.38, 2.73]) and reduced near point of convergence (OR = 5.02 [CI: 1.78, 14.11]); increased lag (Hedge’s g = 0.63 [CI: 0.30, 0.96]) and variability (Hedge’s g = 0.40 [CI: 0.17, 0.64]) of the accommodative response; and increased self-reported vision problems (Hedge’s g = 0.63 [CI: 0.44, 0.82]) in people with ADHD compared to those without ADHD (with no significant heterogeneity). We also found meta-analytic evidence of no differences between people with and without ADHD on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (Hedge’s g = −0.19 [CI: −0.41, 0.02]) and refractive error (Hedge’s g = 0.08 [CI: −0.26, 0.42]) (with no significant heterogeneity).
Discussion
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.
Trial registration
PROSPERO registration: CRD42021256352.
The coexistence of cataract and glaucoma represents a challenge for the ophthalmologist and the issue is still open to debate. The surgical management is based on both the visual field defect and the loss of visual acuity. The surgical options currently available are: (1) cataract extraction alone, (2) sequential glaucoma surgery and cataract extraction, and (3) combined surgery by 1 site or by 2 separate sites. Phacoemulsification alone is suggested when glaucoma can be controlled by medication and the visual field defect is moderate and nonprogressive. In case of a refractory glaucoma (3 or more types of medication required) with associated early-stage cataract, phacoemulsification could be postponed until after glaucoma surgery. The cataractogenous effect of the procedure should be considered in this situation. Moreover, cataract extraction performed after a filtering surgery may lead to a reduction of the bleb function. When both glaucoma and cataract are sight impairing, combined surgery is indicated since it allows a greater intraocular pressure decrease than phacoemulsification alone.
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