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Episode
Can ADHD and Dyslexia *REALLY* Be Cured with Vision Training?
~251 min
Episode Brief·YouTube

Can ADHD and Dyslexia *REALLY* Be Cured with Vision Training?

Ben Greenfield
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TL;DR

The four things you'd lose by not watching

4 items

TL;DR

The four things you'd lose by not watching

4 items
1

Dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD are often misdiagnosed functional vision problems, not inherent brain wiring issues, and can be significantly improved or resolved through targeted vision training.

2

Vision training focuses on improving the brain's ability to process visual input, eye teaming, focusing, and tracking, rather than just eyesight, leading to better comprehension, reduced eye strain, and improved spatial awareness.

3

Intensive 5-day vision performance training can lead to dramatic improvements, such as Jessa's reading comprehension increasing from 70% to 100% and eye movements (fixations and regressions) being nearly halved.

4

At-home vision training programs like 'Screen Fit' offer an accessible way to address functional vision problems, with reported success in reducing symptoms across a wide age range, and can serve as maintenance after intensive training.

Protocols

Concrete recipes — what, when, how much, and why

4 items

Vision Performance Training Intensive

WhatA 5-day in-person program involving evaluation, customized vision performance training, and follow-up evaluation.
WhenMonday to Friday, with evaluation on Monday and Friday.
Dose12 hours of customized training during the week.
For whomIndividuals committed and motivated, with the time and ability to travel and dedicate a week to intensive training, especially those with significant vision issues or seeking performance enhancement.
WhyTo rapidly improve functional vision by addressing specific areas of opportunity identified through testing, leading to better eye-brain coordination and reduced compensatory behaviors.
CaveatsRequires significant time and travel commitment. Not suitable for structural eye problems like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.

This intensive program is designed for individuals seeking rapid and significant improvements in their functional vision. It begins with a comprehensive evaluation on Monday, including tests of brain function, visual information processing, perceptual skills, and eye-tracking software to pinpoint specific dysfunctions. Throughout the week, participants undergo 12 hours of highly customized training, with exercises adjusted in real-time based on their progress. The goal is to engage higher-level thinking and foster genuine learning, rather than just rote skill improvement. A follow-up evaluation on Friday highlights the 'wins' and measures improvements. The program aims to establish natural visual skills that were not developed appropriately, thereby eliminating unnecessary struggling and improving overall visual efficiency. Jessa's experience showed dramatic improvements in reading comprehension, fixations, and regressions, as well as near and distance acuity.

Personal experience

Jessa, the host's wife, underwent this 5-day intensive. She experienced significant improvements in reading speed (118 to 132 WPM), comprehension (70% to 100%), reduced eye fixations (103 to 56), and regressions (38 to 19). Her distance vision improved from 20/30 to 20/20, and near vision from 20/40 to 20/20. She also noted a feeling of the world being 'wider' and better peripheral vision.

"So, we call it a vision performance training intensive. So, it's 5 days evaluation on Monday, follow-up evaluation on Friday to highlight all the wins."

Also said
“We've got some crazy wins I would love to share just about reading, about sports, for things like that.”— Indicates the broad applicability of the training's benefits.
“You dictated everything we did. So I've got an amazing team of docs and of therapists where literally we intro we all we need is our brain and your brain and then from there what we do is just how much we can push you and uh the steps that we take.”— Highlights the personalized and adaptive nature of the training.

Home Vision Training (Screen Fit Program)

WhatAn at-home, do-it-yourself vision training program consisting of specific visual exercises.
When5 days a week.
Dose10-15 minutes per lesson, with some as short as 5 minutes. Each course has 30 lessons.
For whomIndividuals seeking to improve vision without the time or financial commitment of an intensive program. Suitable for ages 5 to 89, including those without severe issues but wanting to optimize vision.
WhyTo teach specific visual skills needed for reading, driving, and general life, making vision training accessible to those who cannot attend intensive in-person programs.
CaveatsWhile effective, it may not yield results as quickly as intensive in-person training. Requires consistent self-discipline.

The Screen Fit program is designed as an accessible alternative to intensive in-person training, comparable to bodyweight exercises versus a gym with a trainer. It comprises two courses, each with 30 lessons, requiring only 10-15 minutes (sometimes as little as 5 minutes) of daily practice, five days a week. The program aims to teach fundamental visual skills necessary for daily activities like reading and driving. It's structured to methodically sequence learning, building a strong visual foundation. The expert claims 100% of users who complete the program report a reduction in symptoms, even those with significant prior vision issues or head injuries. It's also presented as a good maintenance program after an intensive, or a starting point for families to do together.

"So we have a program called Screen Fit which is an at home vision training program designed to teach the specific visual skills needed for reading, for driving, for learning, for life."

Also said
“It's a a do-it-yourself program. It's kind of like doing body weight work instead of going to the gym.”— Provides an analogy for its accessibility and comparison to intensive training.
“With this is crazy, 100% of people who've finished the program seeing a reduction in symptoms.”— Highlights the program's high success rate.

Practicing Blinking

WhatConsciously blinking more frequently and fully.
WhyTo combat dry eyes caused by reduced blink rates during screen use, which can lead to tear film dysfunction and irritation.

"You can practice blinking."

Screen Break Tools

WhatSoftware that prompts users to take breaks from screens and perform eye exercises.
WhyTo prevent visual stress and eye strain from prolonged screen use, which can lead to locked-up attention and vision.
Personal experience

The host uses a tool called Iris on his computer, which adjusts screen temperature and includes eye exercises.

"Like highly advisable to install on the device that your children are using one of the screen break tools that actually pops up and says, 'Hey, go look.'"

What's new

Personal practice updates, fresh positions, predictions

4 items

Dyslexia and ADHD as Functional Vision Problems

0:04:00

The expert posits that many cases labeled as dyslexia, ADD, or ADHD are actually functional vision problems related to how the brain processes visual input, rather than inherent brain miswiring.

Why this matters: This is a contrarian view to the common understanding of these conditions, suggesting a treatable underlying cause often overlooked by traditional diagnoses.

Background

Jessa, the host's wife, struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia her entire life, leading to self-doubt and difficulty with reading and aiming sports. The host initially believed dyslexia was a fixed, hardwired condition.

The expert, Dr. Bryce, challenges the conventional understanding of dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD. He argues that these conditions, often diagnosed based on symptoms and behaviors, frequently stem from functional vision problems. This means the brain struggles to process visual information effectively, rather than having a fundamental language processing or attention deficit. He emphasizes that while dyslexia is typically defined as a language processing issue, functional vision problems relate to the brain's ability to process visual input, and these two are deeply interwoven. He suggests that many individuals develop compensatory mechanisms to cope with these visual inefficiencies, which can manifest as symptoms associated with dyslexia or ADHD.

Personal experience

Dr. Bryce himself was a product of this work, having experienced terrible visual developmental delays as a child, including double vision and difficulty in sports and academics. He attributes his later success to training his eyes and brain to work together.

"Dyslexia very often is not dyslexia."

Also said
“Functional vision problems are all about the brain's ability to process visual input.”— Highlights the core distinction between traditional dyslexia and the expert's perspective.
“If you cannot control your eyes and their ability to focus, then you cannot control your mind and its ability to focus.”— Explains the direct link between vision and attention/focus, relevant to ADHD.
“You cannot diagnose ADD, ADHD, or dyslexia without ruling out and/or addressing vision first.”— Emphasizes the critical importance of vision assessment before other diagnoses.

Vision Training vs. Bates Method

0:07:00

The expert differentiates modern vision training from older methods like the Bates method, explaining that current approaches are more akin to physical therapy for the brain through the eyes, addressing the demands of a digital world.

Why this matters: Clarifies that the current methodology is not a rehash of older, potentially less effective, techniques but a neurologically informed approach.

While acknowledging that Dr. Bates, an ophthalmologist from over a century ago, helped many people with principles like sunning and palming, the expert states that modern vision training is fundamentally different. He describes it as 'physical therapy for the eyes, but really for the brain through the eyes.' The key distinction lies in addressing the complex visual demands of the digital age, which far exceed the challenges faced in Bates' time. The goal is to rewire the brain's software, improve how vision is used, and establish cohesion among tracking, focusing, eye coordination, and depth perception systems. This frees up the brain to process information fluidly and efficiently, rather than just performing eye exercises.

"I would say same body parts but very different work"

Also said
“Now it's a matter of kind of like physical therapy for the eyes, but really for the brain through the eyes where we can use our eyes to rewire the software, change how we're using vision, but really to establish cohesion and order...”— Defines the modern approach as brain-centric physical therapy for vision.
“The visual demands, the visual stress of life now goes well beyond kind of the principles of Dr. Bates.”— Explains why older methods are insufficient for contemporary visual challenges.

Impact of Screen Time on Vision Development

0:12:00

Excessive screen time, especially in children, is identified as a major contributor to functional vision problems, as human visual systems evolved for natural light and distant focusing, not prolonged near-field digital engagement.

Why this matters: Highlights a modern environmental factor driving the increase in vision issues, offering a clear call to action for parents and individuals.

The expert strongly links the rise in functional vision problems to the pervasive use of digital devices and increased screen time. He notes that the human visual system evolved for outdoor environments, requiring focusing on distant objects and scanning horizons for survival. In contrast, modern life, particularly for children, involves being indoors, reduced interpersonal connection, and constant engagement with 2D screens that blast high-energy light. This creates significant 'visual stress' that the brain is not designed to handle. He points out that one in four children currently have a functional vision problem significant enough to impact learning, and this number is growing. The lack of natural visual development due to screen time leads to maladaptations and poor visual habits.

"Our brains are not designed to handle that much strain and process that much visual information."

Also said
“The average 8 to 10-year-old in the US spends 6 hours a day on screens. The average adult is 7 hours and 4 minutes.”— Provides alarming statistics on screen time.
“Our visual system is intended to be outside in natural light to focus far away and to scan the horizon for for danger and for dinner.”— Explains the evolutionary mismatch with modern screen use.
“Most kids don't have the brains and the vision development to support screen time. So this is becoming a bigger problem.”— Underscores the developmental vulnerability of children to screen-induced vision issues.

Vision Training for Post-Concussion Syndrome (TBI)

0:28:00

Vision is implicated in 100% of head injuries, and functional vision problems often persist or develop after concussions, contributing to ongoing symptoms like light sensitivity and sensory overload. Vision training is crucial for full recovery.

Why this matters: Connects vision to a widespread and often debilitating condition (TBI/concussion), suggesting a vital, often overlooked, component of recovery.

The expert asserts that vision, not just eyesight, is represented in every lobe of the brain, with two-thirds of neurons originating from the eyes dedicated to visual processing. Therefore, any head injury inevitably involves vision. While symptoms might improve over time, the underlying functional vision problems often remain, leading individuals to develop compensatory mechanisms. These unaddressed visual issues can manifest as light sensitivity, sensory overload in busy environments, eye strain, and difficulty with night driving, making everyday life overwhelming. He believes that with proper vision training, individuals can not only return to their previous level of function but often surpass it, suggesting that the eye-brain connection is a missing piece in head injury recovery and overall brain health optimization.

"You cannot have a head injury and not have vision be involved."

Also said
“While symptoms often improve after head injury, the problems don't. We just learn how to bypass or work around them unless you're actively engaging in closing those gaps.”— Explains that superficial symptom improvement doesn't mean the underlying vision problem is resolved.
“Any listener who notices light sensitivity, sensory overload in crowded places like a mall or grocery store, tired, strained eyes on a screen, difficulty driving at night, and just everyday life has become really overwhelming and hard. I mean, that's diagnostic for a functional vision problem.”— Lists common, often unrecognized, symptoms of post-concussion vision issues.

Recommendations

Products, supplements, and tools mentioned in the episode

8 items

Ketone IQ

Supplement

Used by Jessa during her intensive vision training.

Personal experience

Jessa was taking Ketone IQ as part of her protocol during the intensive training.

"She was taking uh ketone IQ to really optimize the time we had with you."

Find Ketone

Omegas (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)

Supplement

Part of Jessa's vision training protocol.

Personal experience

Jessa was taking omegas as part of her protocol.

"We had you taking omegas."

Find Omegas

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Supplement

Part of Jessa's vision training protocol.

Personal experience

Jessa was taking lutein and zeaxanthin as part of her protocol.

"We had you taking lutein and zeazanthine."

Find Lutein

Magnesium Threonate

Supplement

Part of Jessa's vision training protocol.

Personal experience

Jessa was taking magnesium threonate as part of her protocol.

"We had you taking uh magnesium 3enate."

Find Magnesium

Glutathione (topical form)

Supplement

Part of Jessa's vision training protocol.

Personal experience

Jessa was taking glutathione in a topical form as part of her protocol.

"We had you taking glutathione in a very unique form. We've had it this topical form."

Find Glutathione

Digital Performance Lenses (DPLs)

Tool

Specialized glasses for screen use and near activities.

Digital Performance Lenses (DPLs) are described as therapeutic glasses, not compensatory ones. They work by relaxing the eye's focusing system and changing how the brain processes near visual information. This helps the inside and outside eye muscles work in better synergy. The expert likens them to a weight belt for squats or deadlifts, which helps engage the core for better form rather than doing the work for you. DPLs also incorporate a high-quality blue light filter. The expert's clinic has developed specific prescriptions based on 10,000 data points, suitable for about 80% of the population, with custom options for the remaining 20%. They are intended to make screens less detrimental and help maintain the gains from vision training.

"So these are glasses that have a really specific type of prescription in there that are therapeutic, not compensatory."

Also said
“They don't do the work for you. They relax the focusing system and change the brain's processing of near information so that your response to stress is different.”— Explains the therapeutic mechanism of DPLs.
“These glasses make it so that screens are less terrible and causing less strain and stress so that you're less likely to adapt and more likely to keep what you have.”— Highlights the preventative and maintenance role of DPLs.
Find Digital

Strobe Goggles

Tool

Used by athletes like Steph Curry for vision training.

Strobe goggles are a tool used in vision training, particularly by athletes, to enhance visual processing speed and reaction time. They work by flickering, effectively slowing down the visual 'frame rate.' This creates an experience where, for example, a ball appears in distinct, separate locations rather than a continuous blur. When the goggles are removed, the brain, having adapted to the slower input, perceives real-time events as moving more slowly, allowing for improved anticipation and response. This is analogous to a baseball player using a weighted bat (donut) to make the regular bat feel lighter. The training aims to achieve a 'flow state' in sports, characterized by heightened awareness of both central and peripheral visual information simultaneously, leading to more accurate and timely reactions.

"It basically slows down what's called the frame rate. So, it's kind of like a strobe."

Also said
“You then take off the goggles and it's almost like you can slow down the ball and prepare yourself to respond more quickly.”— Explains the immediate benefit of using the goggles.
“We can actually train the brain to slow down visual input to react more quickly and efficiently and and effectively so that you can get into a flow state in sports where flow state from a vision perspective is heightened awareness of central and peripheral information simultaneously.”— Details the long-term training effect and its impact on athletic performance.
Find Strobe

Iris (Screen Break Software)

Tool

A screen break tool used by the host.

Personal experience

The host uses Iris on his computer.

"I have that installed on my computer. It's called Iris."

Find Iris
Disclosed sponsorships1speaker disclosed

My Vision First (Clinic)

Service Sponsored · disclosed

The clinic where the intensive vision training takes place.

DisclosureDr. Bryce Applebaum's clinic

"So website's my vision first. That's the name of the clinic and the practice."

Find My

Notable quotes

Lines worth pulling out — contrarian, specific, or perfectly phrased

6 items
"Dyslexia very often is not dyslexia."
This is a central, provocative claim that redefines the understanding of dyslexia as a functional vision problem rather than a fixed neurological condition.
"Functional vision problems are all about the brain's ability to process visual input."
Clearly distinguishes functional vision from eyesight and highlights the brain's role, which is key to the expert's approach.
"This isn't losing those. This is let's fill in the gaps in terms of vision development for what didn't learn naturally from the right sequencing of developmental milestones."
Addresses a common concern about losing 'superpowers' associated with conditions like dyslexia, reframing the intervention as filling developmental gaps rather than removing abilities.
"If you cannot control your eyes and their ability to focus, then you cannot control your mind and its ability to focus."
Provides a concise and impactful explanation for the link between vision and conditions like ADD/ADHD.
"You cannot diagnose ADD, ADHD, or dyslexia without ruling out and/or addressing vision first."
A strong recommendation that challenges current diagnostic practices for these conditions.
"Vision is the new microbiome."
A catchy and memorable phrase suggesting the emerging importance of vision in overall health and wellness, akin to the recent focus on gut health.

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Topics covered

dyslexiaadhdvision-trainingeye-trackingreading-comprehensionfunctional-vision-problemsconvergence-insufficiencydepth-perceptioncompensatory-mechanismsscreen-time-impactdigital-eye-strainbates-methodneuro-optometryathletic-performancestrobe-gogglesvisual-processingeye-movementsvisual-acuitypresbyopiareading-glasses
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