A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body or even a whiplash injury that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Concussions do not require a direct impact to the head nor do they only occur if you lose consciousness.
The severity of a concussion can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can last for days, weeks, months, or in some instances, years. Some people with concussions have no symptoms at all, while others experience a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Balance problems
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Fatigue
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Memory problems
- Changes in mood or behavior
Vision Problems After a Concussion
Vision problems are a common symptom of concussion, and they can range from mild to severe. Some people with concussions may experience only temporary vision problems, while others may have long-term problems.
The most common vision problems after a concussion include:
- Headaches which can be intermittent or constant but exacerbated by reading or computer work
- Difficulty reading or using the computer
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Eye strain
- Eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Eye pain
- Problems with depth perception
- Abnormal eye movements
- Skipping words or losing your place when reading
- Balance and coordination issues
- Motion sickness
- Brain fog
- Difficulty with memory
Vision problems after a concussion can be caused by damage to the parts of the brain that process visual information and directs action to the eyes themselves. Concussions very rarely result in physical damage to the eyes or eye muscles.
Vision Treatment After a Concussion
If you have experienced a concussion, it is important to see the right eye doctor to have your vision checked. The optometrists at Family Vision Development Center are also neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation specialists who are specially trained in post-concussive vision therapy techniques. Because we are a concussion center that incorporates vision therapy, we can diagnose any vision problems that you may have developed following your concussion and recommend the appropriate individualized treatment options.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for vision problems after a concussion. Treatment will depend on the severity of your vision problems and the underlying cause. In some cases, vision problems may resolve on their own with time. However, if the vision symptoms or headaches persist longer than 30 days then vision rehabilitation is going to be key to recovery. The vision rehabilitation involved in this kind of treatment can be an extremely effective way to restore normal visual function following a concussion.
If you have vision problems after a concussion, it is important to be patient and to follow the care instructions you receive following your diagnosis. With time and treatment, most people with vision problems after a concussion will make a full recovery.
Managing Vision Problems After a Concussion
Along with your treatment recommendations, your daily activities can also have an impact on vision recovery. Here are some tips to help you manage vision problems after a concussion and maintain proper visual health on a long-term basis:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Stick to a healthy diet.
- Avoid activities that make your symptoms worse.
- Use eye drops or artificial tears to relieve dryness and irritation.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from light and glare.
- Use a screen filter on your computer or phone to reduce glare.
- Take breaks from reading or using electronic devices to reduce eye strain.
- See us for regular eye exams to monitor your vision and make sure that your treatment is working.
Vision problems after a concussion can be frustrating and can make it difficult to take part in everyday activities. However, the team at Family Vision Development Center is dedicated to restoring your healthy vision and getting you back on your way to reaching your full potential. Contact us as quickly as possible following a concussion in order to start on the right rehabilitation program. Schedule your appointment in our Aurora location by calling 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.