When you think of a traumatic brain injury, you could picture someone losing consciousness or suffering a serious head injury. However, not all brain injuries are the same.
Some forms of brain injuries, such as concussions, are overlooked and vision problems are one of the many signs of a concussion.
What Is the Definition of a Concussion?
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury. A concussion is classified as a mild brain injury by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because it is not life-threatening. However, it can still be severe and cause a variety of symptoms, including:
● Headache
● Fatigue
● Problems with balance
● Confusion
● Vision problems
● Nausea
A concussion may be caused by some form of blow or jolt to the head, such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident. The head itself and the brain rapidly switch back and forth inside the skull as a result of the blow. The brain’s tissue and cells can be damaged as a result of rapid movement. Since the brain is the body’s control center, concussion symptoms can be varied.
The Effects of a Concussion on the Eyes
Blurry Vision: One of the most common symptoms of a concussion is blurred vision, which is also accompanied by double vision. When somebody is tired, their blurry vision also gets worse.
Light sensitivity: After a head injury, the brain can have difficulty adapting to different levels of light.
Pain in the eyes: A headache and possibly eye pain may result from any blow to the head.
Loss of visual field: Visual field loss is defined as any loss of the normal field of vision. The severity of the injury and the section of the brain injured determine the degree of the loss following a concussion. Bumping into objects and even falling can be caused by a lack of visual field.
Problems with eye tracking: The majority of us monitor objects with our eyes without even realizing it. However, after a brain injury, one’s ability to track things in a normal manner can be harmed. Eye-hand coordination and routine tasks can be hampered by difficulty tracking items.
Treatment for Concussion-related Eye Problems
While people who had a concussion can have a regular head scan, this does not guarantee that they will not develop vision issues. Anyone who had a concussion should consider getting an eye test because eye issues are easily overlooked.
If you have vision issues following a concussion, the eye doctor will work with you to figure out the best course of action. Lens filters may be used to help with light sensitivity and patches may be used to help with other vision issues.
Vision therapy may be recommended in some cases. Vision therapy entails a variety of drills to prepare specific aspects of the visual system. Focusing, eye tracking, and making the eyes function together are all problems that vision therapists assist with.
