Watch for These Common Vision Problems After a Concussion

A concussion, also called a mild traumatic brain injury, is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or the body that is violent enough to cause the brain to hit the skull.  A concussion can result in mild to severe damage, and should always be taken very seriously.  Among the many problems that can be caused by a concussion, such as headache, disorientation or memory loss, vision can also be affected.  Some of the most common eye problems can include:

Double Vision

Seeing blurred or double images can be a sign of serious damage after a concussion and should be evaluated immediately.  Although not always life-threatening, double vision can still cause dizziness, poor balance and difficulty reading or walking.  Once it has been determined that it is not a serious injury, the double vision should be treated or managed by your optometrist.

Light Sensitivity

Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is another very common side effect of a concussion, as people often complain of discomfort when in bright sunlight or fluorescent lighting.  This is thought to be a result of the brain’s inability to adjust to varying levels of light due to the concussion, and can linger long after the initial injury.

Eye Tracking

After a concussion, a person may experience small, quick eye movements which can cause problems when looking from one object to another, as well as when trying to track and focus on a moving object.  Hand-eye coordination can also be compromised, leading to difficulty playing sports and in the classroom.

Convergence Insufficiency

Convergence insufficiency, another common result of a concussion, is an inward turning of the eyes and causes a person to have trouble focusing on objects that are close.  They have difficulty using their eyes together for activities such as reading or working on a computer and often complain of eyestrain, headaches or an inability to concentrate.

Vision problems after a concussion can be debilitating.  At Family Vision Development Center, we have extensive training in diagnosing and treating these conditions and more.  Our comprehensive eye exams and advanced vision therapy treatments can help successfully restore your vision quickly and efficiently.  Contact us at 630-862-2020 to make your appointment at the first sign of a possible concussion.

Referenced articles here and here

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