Concussions, often referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), are more common than we might think, especially in sports and recreational activities. While the focus of recovery often centers around physical and cognitive rehabilitation, there's another crucial aspect that deserves attention: vision rehabilitation.
A large portion of our brain is dedicated to vision, so when there is damage to the brain, vision is often affected. Vision plays a significant role in our daily lives, and a concussion can disrupt various aspects of visual function.
We explore evidence-based concussion vision rehabilitation at A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy and its importance in the recovery journey.
Concussion-Related Vision Issues Explained
Concussions can lead to a range of vision problems, including:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty focusing
- Eye strain
- Difficulty tracking (eye movement)
- Headache with near work
- Visual fatigue
These issues can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, making activities like reading, driving, or even navigating crowded spaces challenging.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Assessment
Evidence-based concussion vision rehabilitation involves tailored interventions based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's visual symptoms and deficits. We call these assessments Visual Skills Assessments. These comprehensive assessments are different from a general eye exam.
They examine visual functions, such as how the eyes work together as a team, how they align, and how they focus. It is important to note that the elements tested in a visual skills examination do not measure clarity of vision but rather higher-level visual coordination and processing.
5 Key Components of a Visual Skills Assessment
Measurement of Eye Alignment
Everyone's eyes have a posture that can be measured. When the eyes look far away, they need to stay straight; when they look at something up close, the eyes need to turn inward and cross. This normal convergence can be disrupted after a brain injury, leading to convergence insufficiency.
Measurement of Convergence Stamina
It is crucial to measure how good the eyes are at converging. This is done using a prism to add weight to the system. Poor convergence stamina may cause quick fatigue or double vision after prolonged reading.
Measurement of Convergence Flexibility
This measures the system's ability to change focus from close to far and vice versa, often affected after a concussion.
Measurement of Focusing Ability
This system turns on when looking up close and off when looking far away. A concussion can reduce this system's effectiveness, causing blurry or fluctuating vision at near distances.
Measurement of Focusing System Flexibility
Similar to the convergence system, the focusing system must turn on and off depending on the viewing distance. This measurement is crucial for addressing fatigue and blurry vision during prolonged near work.
Personalized and Evidence-Based Vision Rehabilitation Programs
Based on the visual skills assessment findings, a customized treatment plan is developed to address the patient's visual issues. This plan may incorporate various techniques such as vision therapy, prism lenses, relaxation lenses, and interprofessional collaboration.
Vision therapy is a custom, doctor-supervised program used to address specific visual dysfunctions. It is only after a visual skills assessment that we can determine if vision therapy would be beneficial.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Comprehensive Concussion Rehabilitation
Effective concussion rehabilitation often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration between optometrists, neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals in Kelowna. This interdisciplinary team provides comprehensive care addressing all aspects of the patient's recovery.
Dr. Capo works in-office directly with ophthalmologists and neurologists. She has connections in the community with other evidence-based professionals ready to help you on your concussion journey.
Schedule Your Vision Rehabilitation Consultation With Dr. Capo
Concussion-related vision problems can significantly impact an individual's life, but evidence-based rehabilitation offers hope for recovery. By employing a comprehensive assessment process, individualized treatment plans, multidisciplinary collaboration, and objective outcome measures, our team at A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy can effectively address visual deficits and help patients regain optimal visual function.
As awareness grows and research continues to advance, evidence-based concussion vision rehabilitation will play an increasingly vital role in managing concussions.
If you or a loved one are experiencing vision issues following a concussion, don't wait. Contact A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy to schedule your vision rehabilitation consultation and start your journey to recovery.