Your Guide to Vision Problems Caused by Traumatic Brain Injuries

Read on to learn more about how traumatic brain injuries can have a direct impact on the visual system.

When people talk about traumatic brain injuries, vision issues are often not the first thing that comes to mind. However, since studies show that the majority of the more than 2 million people who suffer traumatic brain injuries in the United States each year experience some sort of vision problem as a result.

It’s important to know what sort of problems can arise, so that if any does, it can be quickly spotted and treated.

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

How Are Vision Problems Found After a Traumatic Brain Injury?

The first step to being able to treat a problem is to properly spot and diagnose it. Once you notice a potential problem, the next step will be getting a comprehensive eye exam. As opposed to simple vision tests, comprehensive eye exams check the health of the eye overall, and the important vision skills which injuries may be impacting.

Neuro-optometrists will also perform a neuro-visual assessment to best pinpoint the exact conditions present.

What Sort of Vision Problems Can Be Caused By a Traumatic Brain Injury?

There are several problems which can arise, at different stages of the recovery process from the initial injury. Because of the nature of brain injuries, the vision issues can occur in the areas of eye movement, eye teaming (their ability to work together properly), the ability of the eyes to properly focus, or a decreased visual field (this is when a patient loses some measure of sight in a certain area, such as the sides). Of course, visual acuity loss is also possible (this is when there is difficulty seeing either near or far objects--the sort of common issues typically corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Some of the more specific examples of problems one may encounter include:
Blurry vision, especially up close
Double vision
Decreased peripheral vision
Complete vision loss in one or both eyes
Light sensitivity
Difficulty focusing or paying attention to tasks
Issues with visual memory
Reading difficulties
Eye aches or pain, or headaches

What Sort of Vision Problems Can Be Caused By a Traumatic Brain Injury?

How Can These Problems Impact Daily Life?

While on one hand it’s obvious how problems like blurry or double vision can impact daily life, it is worth understanding just how many important tasks can become more difficult. Some impacts can include:

Difficulty reading from a screen
Difficulty focusing on further objects after reading
Printed letters or numbers can appear to move, making reading harder.

A patient with a vision problem stemming from a traumatic brain injury may also experience discomfort in certain environments, such as places where there is bright light or a lot of glare, or places with a high volume of patterns or motion, due to visual overload.

These vision problems can also cause discomfort or pain on a regular basis, ranging from eye pain to excessive tearing to motion sickness, in addition to negatively impacting balance.

Treatment

Who Should Patients Consult Regarding Vision Issues Following a Traumatic Brain Injury?

If you are experiencing vision problems following a traumatic brain injury, consult with an optometrist who specializes. Specifically, neuro-optometrists in particular are equipped to provide the proper treatment for these conditions.

What Sort of Treatment do Neuro-Optometrists Offer?

Neuro optometrists provide treatment that helps the patients retrain their brain-eye connection so that they regain the functionality, and quality of life, that they had prior to their injury. These treatment programs are highly personalized, based on the situation and the needs of the individual patient.

In the event that exercises or other similar treatment methods are not enough to completely correct the problem, your neuro-optometrist can recommend vision assistance devices or other therapy/treatment strategies.

Summary

Traumatic Brain injuries can cause a number of vision problems which may negatively impact day-to-day life, and they may occur at varying stages of the recovery from the initial injury. It is important to both recognize and to understand their root cause, so proper treatment can be sought. Neuro-optometrists are professionally trained to help patients recover from such issues. If you are experiencing any vision problems following a traumatic brain injury, contact us to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.

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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.