Vision deficits after TBI

The term traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to an injury to the brain caused not by degenerative or congenital causes but by an external physical force that may result in a diminished or altered state of consciousness.

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

Causes of Traumatic brain injuries (TBI):

Motor vehicle accidents - whiplash
Falls
Gunshot wounds
Workplace injuries
Shaken baby syndrome
Child abuse
Sports injuries
Military actions

TBI caused by falls accounts for 40.5% of all traumatic brain injuries.

Vision is a Bimodal System

There are 2 main pathways that carry visual information from the eye to the brain. The focal system which tells our brain what the object is we are looking at and the ambient system that tells us where that object is placed. They are designed to simultaneously process different types of visual information. Neither works in isolation of the other; both reinforce one another. A disconnected ambient system can cause balance problems and bumping into things.

Why is vision rehabilitation so important following brain injury?

The sense of vision is the dominant sense we possess as human beings. Vision is prevalent throughout our brain. Every aspect of our lives is impacted by our vision, whether it is how we think, what we say, or what we do. There is a high rate of visual problems following TBIs, but they are often overlooked in the rehab process. That’s why you should always consult an eye doctor who has experience with brain injury patients.

What visual problems can be caused by traumatic brain injuries?

Following are the several characteristics of post trauma vision syndrome (PTVS):

Binocular coordination dysfunctions which can cause double vision
Inability to perceive spatial relationships between objects
Difficulty fixating on object and following when it moves
Abnormal posture
Dizziness and balance problems
Poor visual memory
Poor concentration and visual attention
Difficulty with visually guided movements (bumping/tripping, knocking things over)
Light sensitivity also known as photophobia
Visual midline shift syndrome
Visual spatial difficulties

What visual problems can be caused by traumatic brain injuries?

What are the functional implications of post trauma vision syndrome (PTVS)?

Visual field defect

It can cause you to have a poor sense of balance. Furthermore, it can make you bump into things. You might have difficulty with eating and reading a book.

Binocular vision dysfunction

Patients with binocular vision dysfunction can have difficulty judging distance or depth. They might have a tendency to knock things over. They might bump or trip over obstacles. They might also have a hard time playing any kind of sport.

Poor visual processing information

Poor visual processing information can cause you to avoid crowded or busy places. Additionally, you might have a short memory and forget familiar routes. Additionally, it can slow down your ability to process information.

Visual midline shift syndrome

A TBI patient with visual midline shift syndrome can experience the following symptoms:

Floor may appear tilted
Walls and/or floor may appear to shift and move
Veering during mobility
Person leans away from the affected side
Feelings of imbalance or disorientation similar to vertigo

Visual Spatial Inattention after TBI

When someone suffers a TBI or stroke, they fail to process information on one side of their body, also known as visual neglect or hemi-neglect. Although this is not a field defect, it can coexist with one. It is possible for patients to become unaware of a part of their body in severe cases.

If these visual symptoms are affecting your ability to perform basic daily activities such as reading, driving on busy roads, consult with our neuro-optometrist who has experience treating brain injury patients. If you would like to schedule a neuro-optometric vision assessment, please call us at (562) 925-6591.

How can our neuro-optometrist and experienced staff help your loved one?

Patient education

A lot of people are not aware of the connection between vision and our brain. Therefore our eye doctor will explain that connection in simple terms during a neuro-optometric vision assessment. They will discuss with patients how their specific condition can affect their lives and limit their daily functions once a diagnosis has been made. We also advise you to bring your family members to a neuro-optometric vision assessment.

Managing your symptoms

Another most important thing to do after a TBI is to alleviate your symptoms so you can function normally.

Filters following a traumatic brain injury

Our eye doctor may prescribe filters to reduce eye strain, fatigue and headaches. Filters may also be prescribed to reduce glare and light sensitivity.

Practice frequent and full blinking when using digital devices

You should also blink more often and completely while working on a computer to alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes.

Diagnose and treat the cause of your dry eye symptoms

If you have more severe dry eye symptoms or your symptoms are ongoing, come in for a dry eye evaluation to assess the cause of your symptoms so that it can be treated.

Take breaks from visually demanding tasks

Taking frequent breaks from visually demanding tasks is also essential. We suggest that you follow the 20-20-20 rule which means look at an object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Managing double vision

The occurrence of double vision after a traumatic brain injury is a common problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. If blurry, fuzzy, or double vision is impacting your quality of life and vision, take our online double vision assessment to help identify if you may have an underlying vision problem that is causing diplopia (double vision). Take our double vision quiz. The following strategies can help you deal with double vision:

A translucent patch (not dark opaque patch)
Spot patch
Sector patch
Binasal occlusion
Vision therapy activities to improve binocular function such as:
- Eye Stretches
- Tactile Control
- Spatial Localization
- Brock String

Medical interventions for vision problems after a concussion, stroke, or traumatic brain injury

Prisms

Prisms bend light towards the base, which causes the image to move in the opposite direction. They have implications to change spatial orientation and eye alignment

Lenses

They provide optical correction of refractive conditions. They also help to locate objects in space and help with visual comfort.

Filters

They block specific light frequencies that cause visual discomfort which can improve visual performance.

Vision Therapy

In office exercises under the guidance of our neuro optometrist and vision therapist that retrain the visual system following an injury.

Common Questions

How are our brain and vision connected?

Every lobe of the brain is involved in processing visual information. Researchers have identified over 300 intracortical pathways linking 32 different cortical areas involved in vision function. More than half of our gray matter and multiple subcortical areas are involved in processing vision. There is more area of the brain dedicated to vision than to all the other senses combined. Therefore, trauma to our brain could result in vision disorders, in fact according to the Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation Association 90% of people will experience visual deficits following a traumatic brain injury. Call us today at (562) 925-6591 to schedule a neuro optometric evaluation if you are experiencing vision problems following a traumatic brain injury. We are proud to be a leading provider of neuro optometric rehabilitation conveniently located in Bellflower.

Why are prisms prescribed to patients with post trauma vision syndrome?

Prisms are shaped to bend light in a specific direction, and can be used to correct problems with eye alignment, such as double vision, or to help people with visual field loss use their remaining vision more effectively. Prisms can be prescribed by an eye doctor that specializes in neuro optometric rehabilitation as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for PTVS and other vision problems, and can be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as medications, physical therapy, vision therapy, or low vision aids, to help optimize visual function and improve quality of life. Call us today at (562) 925-6591 to schedule an evaluation if you or a loved one suffer from post trauma vision syndrome. We are proud to be a leading provider of advanced eye care conveniently located in Bellflower.

Schedule a neuro optometric evaluation in Bellflower

The term traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to an injury to the brain caused not by degenerative or congenital causes but by an external physical force that may result in a diminished or altered state of consciousness. There is more area of the brain dedicated to vision than to all the other senses combined. Therefore, trauma to our brain could result in vision disorders. These visual disorders can affect your ability to perform basic daily activities such as reading and driving on busy roads. Consult with our neuro-optometrist, Dr. Ikeda, who has experience treating brain injury patients. If you would like to schedule a neuro-optometric vision assessment, please call us at (562) 925-6591.

Dr. Ikeda, FCOVD, DPNAP, is a leading optometrist in the field of neuro optometric rehabilitation and developmental optometry. He has made profound contributions to the field over the years and uses these expertise to provide the highest quality of eye care to his patients. He was Past-President of the Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF) and of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA). He received the “Founding Fathers Medal” for his continued service to NORA and he was recognized as “Physician of the Year” by the Rehabilitation Nurses Society. He is a clinical associate professor of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry and was inducted as a Distinguished Practitioner into the National Academies of Practice (Optometry Academy).

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Patients with functional vision issues following a head injury or stroke visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of neuro optometric rehabilitation services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

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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.