amplifyeyecare-logo-base2-icon
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
see more

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.


Contact Us To Amplify Your EyeCare

Learn More 

arrow-uparrow-right