Higher blood vessel density and shape vessels and certain changes in the eye's optic disc are key signs someone has ADHD
Often known as the window to your soul, your eyes can also give clues to conditions like ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Even though your vision may appear fine, according to a new study, characteristics at the back of your eyes may point to this neurodevelopmental disorder, characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
According to experts, ADHD, a behavioural disorder, affects how your brain works, and despite its name, it does not mean that you may lack attention but that it is harder for you to control your attention or direct it to certain tasks.
AI computer predicts ADHD with 96% accuracy
In South Korea, scientists have trained computers to spot signs of ADHD by looking at changes in your eyes. According to the AI computer model, which predicts the condition with 96 per cent accuracy just by analysing images of your retina.
According to scientists, important signs in the retina, like more blood vessels, thicker vessels, and smaller optic discs, can be signs to show if someone has ADHD. These eye changes also reflect how your brain develops in people with this condition, as the retina is said to be closely related to your brain. "Our analysis of retinal fundus photographs demonstrated potential as a noninvasive biomarker for ADHD screening," the researchers, led by a team from Yonsei University College of Medicine, wrote in their paper.
Experts believe that across the world, the prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents is estimated to be around 8 per cent, with boys having a higher prevalence than girls. The prevalence of adult ADHD is also significant, with estimates suggesting that around 6.76 per cent of adults experience symptomatic ADHD. The condition can make people seem restless and cause them to get easily distracted.
According to experts, it happens due to a combination of increased awareness, decreased stigma, and improved access to healthcare.
How does the computer identify ADHD through the retina?
The study, published in the journal NPJ Digital Medicine, says the experts have tested the AI model on eye images from more than 300 children and teens with ADHD. The AI system identified ADHD with key signs of the disorder, which includes differences in the retina and how well someone can focus their attention.
The team found that higher blood vessel density, shape and width of vessels, and certain changes in the eye's optic disc were the key signs someone had the condition.
The average age of participants in this study was 9.5 years. “Early screening and timely intervention can improve social, familial, and academic functioning in individuals with ADHD,” the researchers said.
Other important symptoms of ADHD
A few other important signs and symptoms of ADHD in children include:
- Avoids tasks that require focusing for a long time
- Doesn’t pay attention to details or makes seemingly careless mistakes
- Forgets to do things that they are supposed to
- Get easily distracted by things going on around them, or sometimes their own thoughts
- Has difficulty with organizing things, like toys in their room, supplies in their backpack, or steps in a project
- Has trouble staying focused on things that they are doing, including listening to presentations or reading a long passage
- Loses things they need, like school papers or eyeglasses
- Seems distracted or like they’re daydreaming when someone is directly talking to them
- Starts a task easily enough but then gets sidetracked and does not finish it
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