Concussions occur from a hard blow to the head. It is considered a traumatic brain injury because it does affect how the brain functions. Along with headaches, trouble concentrating, balance issues, and memory problems, a person may also have vision issues.
Concussion Affects Optic Nerve
For some, the effects of a concussion come on immediately, but this is not the norm for everyone. Some people don't feel the effects until 24 to 48 hours later.
Whether felt immediately or later, long-lasting vision symptoms can occur. Some eye issues stem from damage to the optic nerve that causes a communication problem between the brain and eyes.
It is possible to have permanent eye damage. However, it takes a severe blow to cause extensive eye extensive or long-lasting eye damage.
Signs Of Vision Problems
One sign of a concussion is vision disturbances and pupils that are larger than normal or one pupil being larger than the other. Another sign of a concussion is a glassy-eyed look.
Other signs to watch for after a blow to the head include:
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Partial vision loss
- Eye pain
- Abnormal eye movement
- Sensitivity to light
One serious complication from a concussion is vertical heterophobia. This is a condition where the eyes are misaligned with one eye higher than the other. The eyes try to compensate for the misalignment and leave the person with certain unpleasant side effects:
- Double vision
- Dizziness
- Eye pain
- Headaches
If you've received a blow to the head and are experiencing eye problems, it's important to consult a doctor. A medical professional can decide if you need concussion vision therapy.
Concussion Vision Therapy
Vision problems caused by a concussion generally go away within a couple of weeks. If the symptoms are ongoing, your symptoms are not likely to resolve on their own. This is where concussion vision therapy can help.
The therapy consists of a variety of treatments depending on the patient's symptoms and needs.
- Prescription lenses for glasses
- Prisms
- Special tints
- Filters
- Neuro-optometric rehabilitation
Traumatic brain injury vision therapy is effective for relieving a host of post-concussion vision symptoms. The patient must see a specially trained optometrist who can diagnose and provide the right eye treatment. The prescribed treatment is individualized therapy based on the patient.
Concussions are generally temporary. However, anyone having symptoms of a concussion directly after a blow to the head or even hours later should seek medical attention immediately.
For more information about concussion vision therapy, contact a doctor.
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