Concussion and Brain Injury?
A concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen when a sudden injury affects the brain. In some cases, a closed head injury does not break the skull, but it can still harm brain tissue. However, a penetrating head injury breaks the skull and may damage tissue directly.
Falls cause approximately 47% of traumatic brain injuries, especially among young children and adults over 65. In addition, blunt-force trauma, car accidents, and physical assaults can also lead to TBI.
After a TBI, people may have headaches, confusion, dizziness, seizures, poor concentration, memory problems, or personality changes. Because the brain uses large areas to process vision, concussion and brain injury can also lead to vision problems.
Recovery often includes rehabilitation. Depending on the person, care may include physical, occupational, speech, neurological, or psychiatric support. For this reason, neuro-optometric rehabilitation may also help address vision problems linked to concussion or brain injury.
Common Vision Problems After Concussion or Brain Injury
Vision problems can appear after a concussion or other head trauma. Sometimes, symptoms do not appear right away. If you notice vision changes, do not ignore them. Contact your eye care professional as soon as possible.
An eye exam can help find the cause. Early diagnosis can guide treatment or referral to a specialist. One example is a Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Optometrist.
Without care, visual system problems can affect daily life. They can make it harder to organize visual information. They may also affect depth perception, balance, and posture.
Some common vision problems may occur after brain injury. They may also occur after other medical conditions, such as stroke.
Our Neuro-Optometry Exam explains how we assess vision changes after concussion or brain injury. For general information, review the CDC’s concussion signs and symptoms guide.
Eye focusing
Blurred vision or ability to shift focus between objects between near and far distances may be compromised.
Eye teaming
Your eyes may not work together properly as a team even to the point of experiencing double vision.
Eye movements
You may experience difficulty with eye movements when reading or trying to follow a moving object (like a ball being thrown). Losing your place while reading is a common complaint.
Motion sensitivity
The integration between the vision and balance system can be disrupted, making it difficult to process motion properly. Symptoms can include discomfort and even dizziness when scrolling on a computer screen or phone, or when in busy environments such as grocery stores, social settings, or sporting events.
Visual Field Loss
Partial or complete vision loss can also occur after a head trauma. The area of the brain that has been affected as well as the extent of the damage will determine your field of view. This may cause such problems as bumping into objects, being struck by approaching objects, or sudden falls.
Eye Pain and Headaches
After a concussion or brain injury, eye strain can lead to headaches, aching around the eyes, or discomfort during reading and screen use. Symptoms may become worse when the visual system is tired.
Sensitivity to Light
Brain injury is often accompanied by increased light sensitivity and general inability to tolerate glare. Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, can be exacerbated by specific light sources, such as bright sunlight and fluorescent lighting. Recent studies have also suggested that LCD screens (such as from computers or smartphone devices) can be particularly bothersome after a concussion.
Post Concussion / TBI Vision Assessment
People of all ages who have suffered neurological injury and who experience visual symptoms can benefit from a detailed post-concussion vision evaluation.
What We Evaluate :
How the eyes work together and stay aligned
Focusing effort and the ability to keep targets clear
Eye tracking and scanning skills
How the brain processes visual information in space
Interaction between vision, balance and other sensory systems
Visual perception, memory and standard eye health
After the examination, the neuro-optometrist designs an individualized treatment plan to address each person’s specific needs and symptoms.
“Research suggests that a large percentage of TBI patients experience visual dysfunctions such as blurred vision, light sensitivity and tracking difficulties.”