When most people think of ADHD treatments, they imagine medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes, not glasses. But for some, visual issues may be quietly fueling their struggles with attention, focus, and even hyperactivity. That’s where so-called “ADHD glasses” come in. These specialized lenses aren’t a cure, but they can make a surprising difference—especially if eye strain, visual misalignment, or overstimulation are part of the picture. From blue-light blockers to Prism lenses, let’s take a closer look at how these glasses work and whether they’re worth considering for your ADHD toolkit.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on personal experience and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health, treatment, or medications.
Neuroglasses use peripheral vision stimuli
There are several types of “ADHD glasses” – glasses that can help with your ADHD symptoms. For example, neuroglasses (1) have peripheral visual stimuli embedded into the lenses. By using structured, repetitive, targeted visual exercises that stimulate the visual periphery, they improve the visual connection between the eyes and brain and help reduce ADHD symptoms
Blue-light blocking glasses for better sleep
Another type of glasses that help with ADHD can be blue-light blocking glasses (1), which filter the blue light that disturbs the production of melatonin. ADHD is often linked to delayed-onset insomnia, and sleep problems can compound the symptoms of ADHD. Blue-light blocking glasses will help you get better sleep, which can lead to better focus during the day. And there are also color therapy glasses, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety, and can also contribute to better attention. And let’s not forget the Luminette Light therapy glasses, which have been helping me battle winter depression and morning sluggishness.
But when you hear “ADHD glasses”, it’s usually referring to Prism eyeglass lenses (2).
Binocular vision dysfunction can cause ADHD symptoms
ADHD symptoms can be caused or made worse by binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) (3). It’s a range of vision problems where the eyes don’t work well together, which causes blurred or double vision, difficulty with depth perception, and eye strain. Vision problems often accompany ADHD. Among those without vision problems, 8,3% of people have ADHD, but in those with impaired vision, the number is 15,6% (4).
When the eyes don’t align correctly, it is difficult to maintain focus or process depth. This leads to eye strain, skipping lines while reading or even physical clumsiness. Vision plays an important role in focus and attention. When it’s misaligned, it can make hyperactivity and inattention worse.
What are the Prism “ADHD glasses”?
Prism lenses are special prisms built into your prescription lenses that help to realign the images seen by each eye. They alter the direction of light before it passes through the eye, focusing it towards the retina in order to see just one image. This reduces eye strain and, unsurprisingly, can improve mental focus for people with ADHD.
Students who need Prism glasses have problems with following along visually. When they wear Prism glasses, they are less frustrated by math problems, can better focus while reading, and it’s easier for them to sit during the regular classroom activities.
The prism is added to one of the lenses in the glasses, which makes one lens thicker than the other. (You may want to choose a thicker frame for Prism glasses so that it isn’t too obvious.) Prism lenses come in different strengths, and you need a prescription to get them.
In the beginning, you may experience side effects such as eye pain, headaches, or nausea, but these symptoms usually pass. If they persist, it can mean that your glasses aren’t properly fitted or that your prescription needs updating, and you should see your optometrist.
Are Prism glasses worth it?
It depends on your expectations. They don’t magically make the ADHD go away. But they can help immensely when it’s your vision that causes trouble with your focus and attention. If your eyes often feel tired and your vision unfocused, it may be a sign that you need to give these “ADHD glasses” a try.
Seeing ADHD through a new lens
In the end, “ADHD glasses” aren’t a one-size-fits-all fix, but for some, they can be a game-changer. If your struggles with focus stem at least in part from visual strain, misalignment, or overstimulation, the right pair of lenses might offer surprising relief. Whether it’s Prism lenses easing binocular vision dysfunction, blue-light blockers improving your sleep, or color therapy glasses supporting your mood, these tools are all about giving your brain less to fight against.
So if your eyes are working overtime and your focus is paying the price, it might be time to look beyond traditional ADHD treatments, because sometimes, clearer vision really does lead to a clearer mind.
Sources:
(1) https://circadianeyewear.com/pages/adhd?srsltid=AfmBOoorVuxnLfwdTslIW68lbbPcTZJE2dYSh7ytnJ0RcyPcjtmImjsU
(2) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374845712_A_novel_intervention_for_treating_adults_with_ADHD_using_peripheral_visual_stimulation
(3) https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/what-is-prism-correction-in-eyeglasses
(4) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/binocular-vision-dysfunction-bvd
(5) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293329167_ADHD_and_Vision_Problems_in_the_National_Survey_of_Children%27s_Health
Why do ADHD and autistic brains struggle with time? This guide has the answers and tools you need. If you’ve ever looked up and wondered where the entire day went, it was made for your brain. Check it out now!
Helen Olivier is a neurodivergent writer, AuDHD explorer, and professional overthinker with 40+ years of lived experience in the wonderfully weird world of ADHD + autism. She writes for people who’ve been told they’re “too much” or “not enough,” offering comfort, clarity, and the occasional executive dysfunction survival hack. Her blog is her way of turning daily chaos into useful insights for other neurodivergent folks.
