How Does Vision Therapy Help After a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can occur due to a sudden impact or jolt to the head. While concussions are often associated with physical symptoms like headaches and dizziness, they can also have a significant impact on your visual system. The complex interplay between the brain and the eyes can lead to a variety of vision-related problems following a concussion.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Vision Problems Following a Concussion

Some of the most common vision-related symptoms that may arise after a concussion include:

•       Blurred or double vision

•       Difficulty focusing or tracking moving objects

•       Sensitivity to light or glare

•       Eye strain or fatigue

•       Headaches or migraines triggered by visual tasks

•       Difficulty with depth perception or judging distances

•       Problems with peripheral vision or visual field defects

•       Difficulty with reading or computer work

These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life and make it challenging to perform routine tasks. If you're experiencing any of these vision problems after a concussion, it's crucial to seek medical attention.

The Importance of Early Detection and Diagnosis

Early detection and diagnosis of post-concussion vision problems are essential for effective treatment and recovery. Vision-related issues can often go unnoticed or be overlooked in the aftermath of a concussion, as the focus may be on addressing other physical or cognitive symptoms.

However, ignoring these vision problems can lead to further complications and delay your overall recovery. Prompt evaluation by a neuro-optometrist can help identify the specific vision-related challenges you're facing and develop a personalized treatment plan.

What is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a specialized form of treatment that aims to address a wide range of vision-related issues, including those that may arise after a concussion. It is a non-surgical, evidence-based approach that involves a series of customized exercises and activities designed to improve the function and coordination of the visual system.

Vision therapy typically involves a combination of in-office sessions with a neuro-optometrist and at-home exercises. The goal is to retrain and strengthen the neural pathways between the brain and the eyes, improving visual skills and addressing any deficits or dysfunctions.

How Vision Therapy Can Help with Post-Concussion Vision Problems

Vision therapy can be highly effective in addressing the vision-related challenges that may arise following a concussion. By targeting the specific issues you're experiencing, a can develop a tailored treatment plan to help you regain and improve your visual function.

Some of the ways vision therapy can assist in post-concussion recovery include:

•       Improving eye movements and coordination: Vision therapy can help restore the smooth, efficient movement of your eyes, which is essential for tasks like reading, driving, and tracking moving objects.

•       Enhancing visual information processing: The exercises and activities in vision therapy can help your brain better interpret and process visual information, improving your overall visual perception and cognition.

•       Reducing eye strain and fatigue: Vision therapy can help strengthen the muscles responsible for focusing and vergence (the coordinated movement of the eyes), reducing the strain and fatigue associated with visual tasks.

•       Improving depth perception and spatial awareness: Vision therapy can help you regain your ability to accurately judge distances and perceive depth, which is crucial for activities like sports, driving, and navigating your environment.

•       Addressing visual field defects: In some cases, vision therapy can help expand your visual field and improve your peripheral vision, which may have been affected by the concussion.

By addressing these vision-related issues, vision therapy can play a vital role in your overall concussion recovery, helping you regain your visual function and improve your quality of life.

Get in Touch with Holistic Vision Today

If you've sustained a concussion, it's essential to be aware of the potential impact on your visual system and to seek professional help. Prompt evaluation and treatment by a qualified eye care professional can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to regain your visual function.

At Holistic Vision, Dr. Sapossnek specializes in helping individuals recover from concussions and vision-related issues. Contact our office in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, by calling (267) 500-9600 to schedule a consultation and learn how our personalized vision therapy program can support your journey to better visual health and overall well-being.