Do You Know How Brain Injuries Can Affect Vision?

Brain injuries can have numerous negative impacts on the body, but one impact that may get overlooked, is the impact brain injuries can have on vision.

Find out if you need to see an optometrist by taking the Double Vision Quiz

Almost 3 million Americans each year (and over 10 million people globally) suffer from traumatic brain injuries, which can result from motor vehicle injuries, physical violence, strokes, or simple falls. Of these, studies show that approximately, in addition to other impacts from the head trauma, 90% of such injuries result in some form of vision issue. While there is more understanding now of the link between brain injuries and vision problems, they can still sometimes remain undiagnosed for extended periods of time.

The most common cause of traumatic brain injuries are simple falls, followed by sports injuries (especially among younger people), blunt force trauma, motor vehicle accidents, and physical violence.

What Causes Vision Problems Following Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Apart from the obvious potential damage to the eyes and the brain, the brain-eye connection (the communication between these two components of the vision system) can be disrupted, leading to a wide range of problems.

Following traumatic brain injuries, the communication link between the eyes and brain is often disrupted, resulting in the high rate of vision problems following these injuries. The problems may be subtle or minor at first, but can become much more serious over time if left untreated.

Common causes of vision-related symptoms following a traumatic brain injury can be linked to several problems, including:

Damage to the eyes
Impairment of the brain’s ability to process and recall visual information
Impairment of control over the muscles which control eye movement and focus
Diminished ability of the eyes to move together.

What Causes Vision Problems Following Traumatic Brain Injuries?

What Sort of Vision Problems Can Result from a Traumatic Brain Injury?

There is a wide range of potential problems which can result, and some might be more noticeable than others. They include:

Sensitivity to light and to glare
Difficulty reading
Reading comprehension difficulties
Blurry vision
Double vision
Vision problems that result from a TBI typically cause difficulties with balance, reading, and driving.
Reduction or loss of visual field
Eye aching or pain
Frequent headaches
Difficulty with attention and concentration
Memory issues

How Are Vision Issues From a Traumatic Brain Injury Treated?

The first step is properly recognizing symptoms and having them diagnosed through a comprehensive vision exam. These are given by neuro-optometrists, who specialize in vision issues caused by traumatic brain injuries. Once the precise problems are determined, the doctor will devise a personalized treatment based on your unique situation.

Treatment methods can include:

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy
Phototherapy programs
Eye muscle surgery

No matter your symptoms, it is important to seek diagnosis and treatment early, to prevent any problems from becoming worse.

Summary

If you suffered a traumatic brain injury, odds are you will encounter at least one vision issue due to the injury. These can manifest in a variety of ways, and from one of a few direct causes post injury. It is important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible, to prevent the problem from growing worse. If you believe you are suffering from a vision issue caused by a traumatic brain injury, contact us to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.

Learn More

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Vision deficits after TBI

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.