Every year, millions of people worldwide experience concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can have a lasting impact on their lives. While the initial symptoms of a concussion are well-known, what many may not realize is that some individuals develop a condition called post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Among the various symptoms associated with PCS, vision-related issues are particularly prevalent and can significantly affect a person’s daily activities and overall well-being. Therefore, it is important to understand the importance of promptly addressing vision concerns following a concussion.
Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or even years after a concussion. These symptoms can vary widely from person to person, making PCS a complex and often misunderstood condition. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. However, visual problems are also a significant aspect of PCS that should not be overlooked.
The Importance of Vision and Its Impairment
Vision is a fundamental sensory system that allows us to perceive and navigate the world around us. It plays a crucial role in our ability to maintain balance, process information, and engage in everyday tasks such as reading, driving, and socializing. When vision is impaired, even simple activities can become challenging and overwhelming.
Post-concussion vision problems can include blurred or double vision, light sensitivity (photophobia), difficulty with eye coordination and tracking, problems with depth perception, and visual disturbances such as seeing flashing lights or floaters. These visual disturbances can greatly impact a person’s quality of life and can affect their ability to return to work, school, or other daily routines.
The Importance of Prompt Treatment
Prompt treatment of post-concussion vision concerns is crucial for several reasons:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Seeking medical attention quickly allows healthcare professionals, including your properly-trained optometrist, to conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine the specific vision issues and their underlying causes. This allows for a tailored treatment plan, maximizing the chances of a successful recovery.
- Rehabilitation and Recovery: Vision therapy and rehabilitation programs can help address the visual deficits associated with PCS. These programs typically include exercises and activities designed to improve eye coordination, visual tracking, and perceptual skills. The earlier these interventions are initiated, the better the chances of a successful outcome.
- Preventing Secondary Complications: Unaddressed vision problems can lead to secondary complications such as chronic headaches, balance issues, and decreased cognitive function. By treating vision concerns promptly, it is possible to minimize the risk of these secondary complications and improve overall recovery.
Post-Concussion Visual Rehabilitation at Family Vision Development Center
The team at Family Vision Development Center has advanced training in neuro-optometric rehabilitation to restore proper visual function following a concussion. This allows us to properly evaluate a patient who exhibits signs of post-concussion vision problems, and prepare an individualized treatment plan using the most current and effective equipment and methods. If you have experienced any kind of head trauma and are concerned about lasting symptoms, contact us at 630-862-2020 for a full evaluation as soon as possible.
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. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.