What is Streff Syndrome

Visually, children may complain of blurred vision at near and in the distance, sensitivity to light, double vision, or increased clumsiness due to objects not being noticed in a person’s side vision

Anxiety and stress can affect vision in all persons. In children this may present as Streff Syndrome.

It is generally described as a functional vision problem or psychogenic in nature. It often involves reduced or blurred distance and near vision, poor eye co-ordination and eye movement capabilities, a reduction in visual field and a reduction in focussing.

The symptoms of Streff syndrome are not necessarily vision specific. The condition is often picked up by parents and teachers who begin to notice a sudden reduction in attention and focus during academic tasks, children may begin to struggle at school, and there may be an increase in the amount of mistakes made on homework.

What are the causes of Streff Syndrome?

An increase in a person’s level of stress, whether it is due to bullying, stress from study, anxiety, or other factors can have an impact on a person’s vision, causing Streff Syndrome. The visual system while still active is no longer controlled by a person. Focusing becomes difficult, a tunnel vision effect in a person’s field of view arises, and it becomes hard for the pupils to function adequately during different light conditions.

The issue is closely related to the brain and the way the vision is processed within it and it is very important to investigate changes in children’s behaviour or ability at school and ensure their vision is not involved.