Concussions are a serious matter for our patients of any age. But kids who participate in sports are especially susceptible to the danger of a concussion. If not treated quickly and properly, a concussion can have lasting effects, especially on vision. Optometric phototherapy is a highly effective form of post-concussive treatment for a number of vision-related symptoms.
What is a concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that results from a bump, blow or jolt to the head or the body that is violent enough to cause the brain to hit the skull. This type of head injury can have a serious effect on the brain, and should be dealt with appropriately. In fact, properly responding to a concussion can make a big difference in preventing further, long-term negative effects.
What is optometric phototherapy
Optometric phototherapy is an advanced form of vision therapy in which various colored lights are used to target and correct a variety of vision problems. Research has shown that applying light through the eyes to affect the regions of the brain that are responsible for the body’s hormonal and chemical balance, as well as visual function, can help restore balance in the body and improve vision problems.
Which concussion symptoms does optometric phototherapy help treat
A concussion can result in a number of visual impairments. Therefore, all methods of treatment should be considered in order to address the issues and find the best solution. The optometric phototherapy programs that we provide in our office have shown a remarkable ability to improve visual symptoms of a concussion such as:
Accommodative insufficiency – the inability to maintain clear, comfortable focus on near objects, or to easily change focus from near to far. Some indications of this disorder include blurred vision, fatigue, headaches, double vision or a lack of concentration.
Binocular vision disfunction – the eyes do not align properly with one another and do not work together as a team. When this occurs, the eyes can transmit two images to the brain that are in slightly different positions. This can cause double vision, blurred vision, light sensitivity and poor depth perception.
Visual processing disorder – when the brain cannot make sense of the visual information it takes in through the eyes. This can result in confusing similar letters and numbers, losing your place while reading, or difficulty judging distances or heights.
Constricted functional visual field – the visual field is the entire area that can be seen when the eyes are fixed in one spot. A concussion can cause this area to become smaller, resulting in a loss of peripheral vision.
Family Vision Development Center provides expert optometric phototherapy treatment
Optometric phototherapy is a proven treatment option for post-concussive vision therapy. However, it is a specialized science and there are few providers in the state that are trained to provide the service. Fortunately, Family Vision Development Center is privileged to have Dr. Alia Santoyo as part of our practice. Dr. Santoyo is one of two optometrists in this area who is a Board Certified Fellow in optometric phototherapy by the College of Syntonic Optometry. That means our patients have access to the very best vision therapy treatments to aid in their concussion recovery.
To learn more about the advanced optometric phototherapy programs offered at Family Vision Development Center, contact our office at 630-862-2020.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.