“Blurry vision is listed a possible side effect of Adderall which is the reason so many people are concerned,” says Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, eye surgeon and founder of The Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, and developer of the Holcomb C3-R® procedure which treats a degenerative eye disease.
“Adderall contains amphetamine, a stimulant, which can cause blurred vision, but typically is not serious,” says Dr. Boxer Wachler.
“This drug stimulates neurochemicals, like dopamine, to be released in the brain which is believed to be related to the cause of blurred vision when it occurs.”
Adderall helps ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of two key brain chemicals: dopamine and norepinephrine.
These neurotransmitters play a big role in attention, focus and impulse control, which are areas where people with ADHD often struggle.
By boosting these chemicals, Adderall helps the brain’s “signal-to-noise” ratio, making it easier to filter distractions and stay on task.
It also improves activity in the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s control center for planning and organization.
When taken as prescribed, Adderall can reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness and forgetfulness.
But these benefits to those with ADHD do come with the possibility of many side effects, and unfortunately, vision can be affected.
