Vol. 10, Issue 11, Part D (2024)

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterized by difficulty in focusing, hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. In recent studies it is suggested that ADHD also involves ocular as well as motor dysfunctions like difficulty in smooth pursuit, optokinetic nystagmus and saccades.

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the correlation between ocular motor dysfunction and ADHD by comparing performances of ocular motor in ADHD and control group of same age and gender.

Methods: 76 subjects were included in the study. 38 subjects are with ADHD and 38 with control group. All subjects underwent ocular examinations of testing saccades, smooth pursuit movements and optokinetic nystagmus test. Statistical analysis were performed which includes t tests and corelation tests to identify associations and significant differences.

Results: The results showed that individuals with ADHD experience more difficulty in smooth pursuit eye movements. It is indicated by lower tracking accuracy with a mean value of 0.75 along with standard deviation of 0.12. It also showed more frequent errors in eye movement which is also known as saccadic intrusion with mean value and standard deviation of 12.5 and 4.3 respectively. Control group showed mean value of 0.85 with standard deviation of 0.08 in tracking accuracy and mean value of errors in eye movement showed 8.2 with standard deviation of 2.9. Subjects with ADHD showed longer latency in saccades with mean of 250 ms and standard deviation of 30 ms. Lower peak velocity showed mean values of 300 degree/second with standard deviation of 40 degree per second when compared to controls. Responses of Optokinetic nystagmus showed mean amplitude of 5 degrees with SD of 1.5 degrees. Corelation analysis shows significant link between symptoms of ADHD and oculo motor deficits.

Conclusion: This study shows notable ocular motor dysfunctions in subjects with ADHD which suggest that these issues might contribute to a neuro cognitive profile of this disorder. These findings emphasize the need of evaluating oculo motor functions in ADHD and suggesting new areas for further research and treatment.