Effect of Vision Therapy on Measures of Oculomotor Function in Patients Presenting with Post-Concussion Syndrome

Authors

Paul Rollett, OD, FCOVD Garrett Morandi, PhD

Effect of Vision Therapy on Measures of Oculomotor Function in Patients Presenting with Post-Concussion Syndrome

publication date

2019-12-06

Abstract/Introduction

Oculomotor dysfunction is a common symptom of post-concussion syn-drome (PCS). In this study, the efficacy of Vision Therapy (VT) for the treatment of PCS-related symptoms of the visual system was investigated retrospectively. Overall, 56 patients were selected, all of whom presented with clinical impairment of at least one measure of oculomotor function-ing. Activities related to VT were wide-ranging and case-dependent, but all aimed to improve one of the five main areas of visual function. Following the completion of VT, all patients demonstrated statistically or clinically significant improvements, as defined by the use of Morgan’s norms, in atleast one measure of oculomotor functioning related to PCS. In general, improvements in measures of oculomotor functioning were greatest for near point of convergence, vergence facility and accommodative facility. Patients who received 20 sessions of VT had improved and less variable outcomes than those who received 5-10 sessions of VT. In addition, VT im-proved symptoms of visual discomfort in patients presenting with PCS. The results of this retrospective analysis demonstrate significant improvements in measured outcomes for all patients who received VT, and support VT as a treatment option for symptoms of PCS.

Conclusion/Results

The results of this retrospective analysis support the findings of previous studies and demonstrate statistically and clinically significant improvements of measured oculomotor functioning in patients presenting with oculomotor deficiencies associated with PCS and support VT as a viable treatment option for associated symptoms. Further-more, the present results suggest that longer treatment times (20 VT sessions) might improve measured outcomes compared to those in patients who receive 10 or less VT sessions; however, the impact of delayed VT treatment re-mains unclear. Although no placebo group was available in this study, the results demonstrate significant improve-ments in measured outcomes for all patients receiving VT and support VT as a treatment option for PCS.

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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.

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