Do You Know How Brain Injuries Can Affect Vision?

Brain injuries can have numerous negative impacts on the body, but one impact that may get overlooked, is the impact brain injuries can have on vision.

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Almost 3 million Americans each year (and over 10 million people globally) suffer from traumatic brain injuries, which can result from motor vehicle injuries, physical violence, strokes, or simple falls. Of these, studies show that approximately, in addition to other impacts from the head trauma, 90% of such injuries result in some form of vision issue. While there is more understanding now of the link between brain injuries and vision problems, they can still sometimes remain undiagnosed for extended periods of time.

The most common cause of traumatic brain injuries are simple falls, followed by sports injuries (especially among younger people), blunt force trauma, motor vehicle accidents, and physical violence.

What Causes Vision Problems Following Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Apart from the obvious potential damage to the eyes and the brain, the brain-eye connection (the communication between these two components of the vision system) can be disrupted, leading to a wide range of problems.

Following traumatic brain injuries, the communication link between the eyes and brain is often disrupted, resulting in the high rate of vision problems following these injuries. The problems may be subtle or minor at first, but can become much more serious over time if left untreated.

Common causes of vision-related symptoms following a traumatic brain injury can be linked to several problems, including:

Damage to the eyes
Impairment of the brain’s ability to process and recall visual information
Impairment of control over the muscles which control eye movement and focus
Diminished ability of the eyes to move together.

What Causes Vision Problems Following Traumatic Brain Injuries?

What Sort of Vision Problems Can Result from a Traumatic Brain Injury?

There is a wide range of potential problems which can result, and some might be more noticeable than others. They include:

Sensitivity to light and to glare
Difficulty reading
Reading comprehension difficulties
Blurry vision
Double vision
Vision problems that result from a TBI typically cause difficulties with balance, reading, and driving.
Reduction or loss of visual field
Eye aching or pain
Frequent headaches
Difficulty with attention and concentration
Memory issues

How Are Vision Issues From a Traumatic Brain Injury Treated?

The first step is properly recognizing symptoms and having them diagnosed through a comprehensive vision exam. These are given by neuro-optometrists, who specialize in vision issues caused by traumatic brain injuries. Once the precise problems are determined, the doctor will devise a personalized treatment based on your unique situation.

Treatment methods can include:

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy
Phototherapy programs
Eye muscle surgery

No matter your symptoms, it is important to seek diagnosis and treatment early, to prevent any problems from becoming worse.

Summary

If you suffered a traumatic brain injury, odds are you will encounter at least one vision issue due to the injury. These can manifest in a variety of ways, and from one of a few direct causes post injury. It is important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible, to prevent the problem from growing worse. If you believe you are suffering from a vision issue caused by a traumatic brain injury, contact us to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.

Learn More

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Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!

Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!

Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!